Question

A nurse is teaching a group of parents about Salmonella. Which of the following should be included in

the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A. Incubation period is nonspecific.
B. It is a bacterial infection.
C. Bloody diarrhea is common.
D. Transmission can be from house pets.
E. Antibiotics are used for treatment.

Answer 1

The teaching on Salmonella should cover that it is a bacterial infection with a variable incubation period, it often causes bloody diarrhea, can be transmitted from house pets, and may require antibiotics if severe.

Step-by-step explanation:

Teaching parents about Salmonella includes several important aspects:

• The incubation period of Salmonella is variable and can range from several hours to days; it is not nonspecific, but it varies depending on multiple factors such as the size of the inoculum and the health of the host.
• Salmonella is indeed a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract.
• Bloody diarrhea can be a common symptom in Salmonella infections, although not all cases will have this presentation.
• Transmission can occur from a variety of sources, including house pets, particularly reptiles, but also from contaminated food or water.
• Antibiotics are not always used for Salmonella. Treatment is generally supportive, but for more severe cases, such as those with bacteremia or other systemic complications, antibiotics like fluoroquinolones may be prescribed.