NORCET-7 Mains-2024: What is the most common cause of infantile diarrhoea in India?

NORCET-7 Mains-2024

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET-7 Mains-2024

Explanation

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in infants and children under 5 years of age globally and in India.
In India, while Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is also common, Rotavirus is the principal agent behind severe cases requiring hospitalization.
The most vulnerable age for severe rotavirus infection is between 6 and 24 months.
Clinically, rotavirus infection is often characterized by the initial onset of vomiting, followed by profuse, watery diarrhea, leading to rapid dehydration.

Option B: This is a toxic substance produced by bacteria, not a causative organism itself. It is the mechanism of diarrhea, not the agent.
Option C: While Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is a very common bacterial cause of diarrhea in India, Rotavirus is the single most frequent cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in infants.
Option D: Salmonella is a cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, but it is significantly less common than Rotavirus, accounting for only a small percentage (1-7%) of childhood diarrhea cases.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of infantile diarrhea in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are central to preventing rotavirus through vaccination education and administration, as the vaccine is part of India's Universal Immunization Program.
The priority nursing assessment for any child with diarrhea is to check for signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken eyes, decreased tears, poor skin turgor, lethargy), as this is the most life-threatening complication.
Core nursing management includes administering Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplements, and educating caregivers on how to continue these therapies at home.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'most common cause,' 'infantile diarrhoea,' and 'India.' This frames the question around epidemiology in a specific age group and location.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about common pediatric infectious diseases.
Analyze the options. Categorize them: Rotavirus is viral; E. coli and Salmonella are bacterial; Enterotoxin is a mechanism, not an organism.
Immediately eliminate 'Enterotoxin' as it is not a causative agent.
Compare the prevalence of the remaining pathogens. Recall that while bacterial causes are frequent, Rotavirus is globally recognized as the number one cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in infants.
Select Rotavirus as the most fitting answer for the 'most common' cause of severe infantile diarrhea.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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