Which of the following tests is the most likely to confirm the diagnosis of a 10-month-old presenting with fever, vomiting, and copious watery diarrhoea?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis of a 10-month-old presenting with fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea, based on the provided symptoms. The key is to identify the most probable cause of these symptoms in infants and the appropriate diagnostic test for that cause.
Answer
A stool specimen test can confirm viral gastroenteritis, which is the likely diagnosis for a 10-month-old with fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.
Given the symptoms of fever, vomiting, and copious watery diarrhea in a 10-month-old, the most likely diagnosis is viral gastroenteritis, possibly caused by rotavirus. While stool specimen tests are not always done, they can confirm the diagnosis.
Answer for screen readers
Given the symptoms of fever, vomiting, and copious watery diarrhea in a 10-month-old, the most likely diagnosis is viral gastroenteritis, possibly caused by rotavirus. While stool specimen tests are not always done, they can confirm the diagnosis.
More Information
Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Symptoms typically include fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Although gastroenteritis is often diagnosed clinically, a stool sample can help confirm the presence of the virus.
Tips
It is easy to assume a bacterial infection. While possible, viral infections are more common with these symptoms.
Sources
- Rotavirus (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth - kidshealth.org
- Pediatric Gastroenteritis: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology ... - emedicine.medscape.com
- Rotavirus - Nationwide Children's Hospital - nationwidechildrens.org
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