Question

A child is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of shigella. The nurse should do which of the following?

1) Administer antibiotics
2) Monitor vital signs
3) Provide oral rehydration therapy
4) Isolate the child
5) Perform a stool culture

Answer 1

When a child is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of shigella, the nurse should monitor vital signs, isolate the child, perform a stool culture, and provide oral rehydration therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a child is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of shigella, the nurse should take several actions. These actions include:

1. Monitor vital signs: The nurse should regularly assess the child's temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate to monitor for any signs of deterioration.
2. Isolate the child: Shigella is highly contagious, so it is important to isolate the child to prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.
3. Perform a stool culture: A stool culture is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of shigella and determine the specific strain of the bacteria. This information is important for guiding treatment.
4. Provide oral rehydration therapy: Shigella infection can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Therefore, providing oral rehydration therapy to replace lost fluids and electrolytes is essential for the child's recovery.