28 Questions
What is the most severe threat posed by diarrhea?
Dehydration
Why is it important for a pharmacist to ask about vomiting and fever in infants with diarrhea?
To determine the severity of dehydration
What would indicate the need for referral when dealing with a diarrhea case?
Blood or mucus in stools
Why should a pharmacist ask about food intake and other family members with similar symptoms in cases of diarrhea?
To identify infection as a likely cause
What can reduced fluid intake predispose to during a diarrheal episode?
Dehydration
Why is it important to replace water and electrolytes lost during a diarrheal episode?
To prevent dehydration
What is the most common etiological agent of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in low-income countries?
Rotavirus
How is infection causing diarrhea usually spread?
Through contaminated food or drinking-water
Which parasite causes Giardiasis, a diarrheal disease?
Giardia lamblia
What is the treatment recommended for most cases of diarrhea that are short-lived with normal bowel habits before and after?
Fluids and electrolytes
Which bacterial organism is NOT mentioned as a common cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhea?
Salmonella
In what cases is antibiotic treatment needed for diarrhea?
For severe cases of diarrhea
What is the primary reason behind Clostridium difficile flourishing in the gut after antibiotic use?
It is naturally resistant to antibiotics
What can happen if hand washing and careful hygiene practices are not followed in a healthcare setting with patients infected with Clostridium difficile?
Transmission of the bacteria to other patients
What is a common complication seen in debilitated individuals infected with Clostridium difficile?
Perforation of the colon
Why should anti-diarrheal medications not be used in treating Clostridium difficile infection?
They can aggravate the condition
What antibiotic is commonly used to treat confirmed cases of Clostridium difficile infection?
Metronidazole
What action should pharmacists take if they encounter a case of persistent diarrhea following a course of antibiotics?
Ask the patient to contact their GP
What is the recommended duration of diarrhea in children younger than 1 year before referring them?
1 day
For which group of patients is diarrhea of 2 days' duration a referral indication?
Children under 3 years and elderly patients
What should be avoided in patients with diarrhea due to the potential to worsen the condition?
All of the above
Which symptom would warrant a referral due to suspected drug-induced reaction to prescribed medicine?
Presence of blood or mucus in the stools
What are the main goals of self-treatment for persistent or chronic diarrhea?
Prevent or correct fluid and electrolyte loss, identify the cause, relieve symptoms
In what situation should all patients receive their normal diet or breast-feeding during bouts of diarrhea?
Because it does not make the diarrhea worse
Which condition is NOT listed as a potential cause of persistent or chronic diarrhea?
Peptic ulcer disease
What information should pharmacists ask patients for before recommending therapy for diarrhea?
Age, onset and duration of diarrhea, description of stool, other symptoms, medications history, recent travel, medical history
Which of the following is NOT considered when evaluating a patient with persistent diarrhea?
Hair length
Which condition would most likely involve malabsorption as a cause of persistent or chronic diarrhea?
Celiac disease
Learn about the associated symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration in infants, including abdominal cramps, flatulence, weakness, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Understand how reduced fluid intake can lead to dehydration and the importance of monitoring milk feeds and other drinks.
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