Oral Rehydration Solution is a mixture of:

RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

The standard, evidence-based formula for Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) consists of clean water, sugar (glucose), and salt (sodium).
This specific combination leverages the sodium-glucose co-transport mechanism in the small intestine, which remains active during diarrhea, to facilitate the absorption of water and electrolytes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a specific low-osmolarity formula to effectively and safely treat dehydration across all age groups and for all types of diarrhea.
A simple home-made version can be prepared using 6 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one liter of clean water.

Option A: Lemon is not a standard component of the WHO-recommended or home-made ORS formula. Its acidity and variable composition are not part of the evidence-based mixture for rehydration.
Option B: Lemon is not included in the standard ORS formulation. The proven mixture relies solely on the balance of sugar and salt to facilitate water absorption.
Option C: Lime extract is not a component of the standard ORS formula. Additives can alter the solution's osmolarity and are not recommended.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Composition of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing role in community health is teaching families how to correctly prepare and administer ORS to prevent and manage dehydration, especially in children with diarrhea.
Nurses must emphasize using the correct proportions. Too much sugar can worsen diarrhea (osmotic diarrhea), and too much salt can lead to dangerous hypernatremia (high blood sodium).
Patient education should include signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, lethargy, decreased urination, no tears) and when to seek immediate medical help.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of a fundamental public health intervention.
First, identify the core subject: the composition of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
Recall the basic, life-saving formula for ORS taught in community health and pediatric nursing. The key ingredients are a source of water, sugar (glucose), and salt (sodium).
Evaluate each option against this standard formula.
Eliminate options that introduce non-standard ingredients like 'Lemon' or 'Lime Extract'. These are not part of the scientifically proven mixture for rehydration.
Select the option that contains only the essential components: Clean Water, Sugar, and Salt.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q5vlZnKlxlrRMNOqjHYmOo

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 80-82

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1369-1371

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 311-313