Which of the following viruses does NOT cause gastroenteritis?

Appeared in: RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

Explanation

Influenza virus is an Orthomyxovirus that primarily infects the respiratory system, causing influenza.
The classic symptoms of influenza are respiratory, including fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
While some individuals, particularly children, may experience secondary gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, influenza is not a primary cause of infectious gastroenteritis.
The term 'stomach flu' is a common misnomer for viral gastroenteritis and is not caused by the influenza virus.

Option A: Rotavirus is a primary and leading cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis, especially in infants and young children.
Option C: Enteric adenovirus, specifically serotypes 40 and 41, are medically important pathogens that cause viral gastroenteritis in infants and children.
Option D: Astrovirus is a recognized agent of viral gastroenteritis, typically causing mild to moderate illness in young children and the elderly.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Etiology of viral gastroenteritis helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must differentiate between respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses to implement the correct infection control precautions (e.g., droplet for influenza vs. contact for gastroenteritis) and provide appropriate care.
Patient education is a key nursing role. It is important to clarify that 'stomach flu' is not caused by the influenza virus and that the flu shot does not protect against viral gastroenteritis.
Assessment for dehydration (e.g., checking skin turgor, mucous membranes, urine output) is a critical nursing intervention for all patients with gastroenteritis, regardless of the viral cause.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the causes of viral gastroenteritis.
Recognize the negative keyword 'NOT'. This signals that you must find the option that is the exception.
Review each option and recall or determine the primary disease it causes.
Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Astrovirus are all classic causes of diarrhea and vomiting (gastroenteritis).
Influenza virus is widely known to cause 'the flu,' a respiratory illness.
Therefore, the influenza virus is the one that does not fit the category of causing gastroenteritis and is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QSvE5_xqwB08lsE_XRINcq

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2057-2059

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1669-1671

Practise the full RIMS Nursing Officer - 2022

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