Question

The nurse is preparing an 18-month-old for discharge after treatment for dehydration following diarrhea. What would the nurse most likely include in the discharge teaching?

a) Encouraging the parents to limit fluid intake to avoid overhydration
b) Instructing the parents to avoid offering oral rehydration solutions
c) Advising the parents to reintroduce a regular diet immediately
d) Recommending gradual reintroduction of a normal diet along with oral rehydration solution

Answer 1

The nurse would advise gradual reintroduction of a normal diet with oral rehydration solutions for an 18-month-old child post-dehydration treatment. Commercially available electrolyte solutions are crucial in preventing dehydration and ensuring recovery. Monitoring for signs of dehydration should continue post-discharge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse providing discharge teaching for an 18-month-old child who has been treated for dehydration following diarrhoea would most likely recommend a gradual reintroduction of a normal diet along with oral rehydration solutions. Oral rehydration solutions are essential in treating dehydration, especially in children, as they contain a combination of water, salts, and sugar that help to replace lost fluids and essential electrolytes. The reintroduction of a regular diet should be done slowly to allow the child's digestive system to recover from the illness.

It is important to avoid giving just plain water or undiluted juice to rehydrate a child as these can worsen diarrheal illness by disrupting the balance of electrolytes. Instead, using commercially available electrolyte solutions can prevent dehydration if given at the onset of illness and are critical to maintaining the child's health and well-being. Parents should closely monitor their child for any ongoing signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, a dry mouth, or dizziness, and seek medical attention if necessary.