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A patient has been complaining of diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The doctor suspects this to be a case of gastroenteritis. What diagnostic procedure is the doctor likely to use?

User Daria
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2 Answers

1 vote

Answer:

A stool culture

Step-by-step explanation:

(a laboratory test to identify bacteria and other organisms from a sample of feces) can be used to determine the specific virus or germ that is causing gastroenteritis.

3 votes

Answer:

A stool culture

Step-by-step explanation:

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation that affects the small intestine and stomach. Although not related to the flu, it is sometimes called intestinal flu. It is caused by an infection that can be viral, fungal or bacterial, but the most frequent is that the causative agent is a virus. An inflammation is the body's reaction to tissue damage or infection. The affected area becomes red, hot, with an increased blood flow and is often painful.

The stool test is done to confirm the type of infection that is causing gastroenteritis. In the fecal sample, rapid tests for viruses, such as rotavirus or adenovirus, can be performed, as well as bacterial culture, which allows observation and evaluation under the microscope. In the fecal sample it is also possible to perform an immunological examination, which can reveal the eggs of parasites that may be causing the disease. For this reason, we can say that it is likely that the doctor shown in the question above will use the stool test to confirm the diagnosis.

User Vinay Bagale
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