Question

An infant admitted to the hospital with an acute rotavirus infection is having frequent diarrheal stools. on assessment, the nurse notes 40 to 60 bowel sounds per minute. the child has poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes. the nurse determines the infant's dehydration is related to which factor? increased gi motility inability to metabolize nutrients decreased gastric emptying insufficient antidiuretic hormone

Answer 1

The abovementioned infant/patient was observed by the nurse to have 40-60 bowel sounds, poor skin turgor and dry mucous membrane. His/her dehydration is related to increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility as a result of diarrhea from Rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is the most common cause of inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis) leading to diarrhea in infants and children. It is transmitted through fecal-oral route. Fever, watery diarrhea and vomiting are the most common signs and symptoms of the aforementioned virus. Since there is diarrhea, dehydration or even severe dehydration may eventually occur. Symptoms of dehydration includes lethargy, dry and cool skin, absence of tears when crying, dry or sticky mouth, extreme thirst and sunken eyes or sunken fontanel. This infection is self-limiting, has no specific cure and not life threatening. To prevent infection, infants and children should be vaccinated against this virus.