Most common measure to treat diarrhoea is?

SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Explanation

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the cornerstone of diarrhoea management, recommended by the WHO for all ages.
It is scientifically formulated to replace both water and essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium) lost from the body during a diarrhoeal episode.
The glucose in ORS facilitates the absorption of sodium and water from the gut via the sodium-glucose co-transport mechanism, which remains functional during diarrhoea.
Using low-osmolarity ORS reduces stool volume, decreases vomiting, and lessens the need for IV fluids.

Option B: Commercial juices are typically high in sugar, which increases the osmotic load in the intestine. This can draw more water into the gut and worsen the diarrhoea.
Option C: While it replaces lost fluid, plain water does not replenish the essential electrolytes (salts) lost in diarrhoeal stools. Exclusive intake of water can lead to dangerously low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia).
Option D: IV therapy is an invasive treatment reserved for severe dehydration, shock, or when a patient cannot tolerate oral fluids due to persistent vomiting. It is not the 'most common' measure for the vast majority of diarrhoea cases.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Management of Diarrhea and Dehydration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility is to assess a patient's dehydration status accurately to guide therapy. This involves checking for sunken eyes, skin turgor, and alertness.
Nurses must educate caregivers on the 'Four Rules of Home Care': give more fluids (ORS), give zinc supplements, continue feeding, and know when to return to a health facility.
Administering ORS correctly is crucial: give small, frequent sips from a cup or spoon. If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then continue giving ORS, but more slowly.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'most common measure' and 'treat diarrhoea'. This directs you to find the standard, first-line treatment, not the treatment for the most severe cases.
Understand the primary problem in diarrhoea: loss of both water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.
Evaluate each option based on its ability to address this primary problem.
ORS is specifically designed to replace both water and electrolytes.
Juice is high in sugar and can worsen diarrhoea. Normal water lacks electrolytes. IV therapy is for severe cases.
Conclude that ORS is the only option that is both appropriate for the primary problem and used as the 'most common' first-line treatment.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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