Which of following is not present in the WHO Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)?

Appeared in: RML Lucknow - 2021

Explanation

The question asks to identify the substance that is not a component of the standard WHO Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
Magnesium Sulphate is the correct answer as it is not included in the WHO-recommended formula for ORS.
The standard low-osmolarity WHO ORS contains Sodium Chloride, Glucose, Potassium Chloride, and Trisodium Citrate.
These components are balanced to effectively treat dehydration by replacing fluids and essential electrolytes lost during diarrhea.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Composition of WHO Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role is to ensure the correct preparation and administration of ORS. One sachet must be mixed in exactly one liter of clean, safe water. Using too little or too much water can make the solution ineffective or even harmful.
Patient education is critical. Nurses must teach caregivers to give ORS in small, frequent sips, especially if the patient is vomiting. The prepared solution should be used within 24 hours and any remainder discarded.
Monitoring is key. The nurse must assess the patient for signs of rehydration (e.g., return of normal urination, moist mouth, improved skin turgor) or worsening dehydration, which would require escalation of care, possibly to intravenous fluids.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks you to find the ingredient that is not part of the WHO ORS formula.
This is a 'negative' question, so you are looking for the exception among the options.
Recall the standard composition of WHO-recommended low-osmolarity ORS. The key ingredients are a source of sodium (Sodium Chloride), a sugar (Glucose), a source of potassium (Potassium Chloride), and a base to counter acidosis (Trisodium Citrate).
Evaluate each option against this known composition.
Trisodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, and Glucose are all known components.
Magnesium Sulphate is not part of the standard formula, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 7-9

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

Practise the full RML Lucknow - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.