Question

A nurse is assessing a client with diarrheal disease and determines that the condition has most likely resulted from ap parasitic infection. Which would be a potential cause?

Answer 1

Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are potential parasitic causes of diarrheal disease that can be contracted by consuming contaminated water or food, or through direct contact with infected animals or feces.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with diarrheal disease who suspects a parasitic infection should consider several potential causes. Parasitic pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are commonly associated with such gastrointestinal symptoms. Giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia, can result from consuming contaminated water and lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. Cryptosporidiosis, primarily caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or C. hominis, can be spread through contaminated water, food, or direct contact with infected animals or feces. These protozoan organisms are a concern because they have the ability to contaminate water supplies and cause significant public health issues.

When assessing a client with such symptoms, clinicians must consider the patient's recent activities, such as travel or consumption of potentially contaminated food or water, to aid in diagnosing the specific parasitic cause. In environments like hiking trails or camping sites, drinking untreated water from natural sources might result in infection with these protozoa.