Question

A nurse caring for a 5-year-old patient admitted with dehydration has an order to collect a stool specimen to test for ova and parasites. The patient is ambulatory and has a recent history of vomiting and diarrhea. What is the best method to use to collect the stool specimen from this patient?

1) Rectal swab
2) Urine sample
3) Saliva sample
4) Stool sample using a clean container

Answer 1

The most appropriate method for collecting a stool specimen in this case is using a clean container to collect a stool sample for direct examination, allowing for diagnosis and subsequent treatment of parasitic infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best method to collect a stool specimen from a 5-year-old patient admitted with dehydration to test for ova and parasites is using a clean container to collect a stool sample. This method is non-invasive and appropriate for an ambulatory patient. A stool specimen allows for direct examination under the microscope, which can reveal the presence of cysts, trophozoites, and other indications of parasitic infection. The nurse should ensure that the stool is promptly processed using techniques such as microscopic examination, serological analysis, or molecular techniques, depending on the resources available. The primary treatment for detected parasites usually includes metronidazole followed by options like tinidazole, ivermectin, and albendazole.