Final answer:
Parents should seek emergency medical treatment for a child with diarrhea if the child cannot keep liquids down due to frequent vomiting, shows signs of dehydration, or has diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a pediatric client experiences diarrhea, the nurse will advise the parents to seek emergency medical treatment if the child exhibits symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition. These symptoms include frequent vomiting that prevents the child from keeping liquids down, which could lead to dehydration. Dehydration signs include a marked decrease in urination, a very dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up. Additionally, if the diarrhea persists for more than 3 days, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
Based on the symptoms described in the question, Carli could be experiencing a case of acute gastroenteritis, which is common in pediatric patients and often causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, fever, and dehydration. Given the spike in cases reported in western Florida at hospitals, this could be an outbreak situation, and it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and necessary treatment.