Viral gastroenteritis

NP Certification Q&A

Joseph is a 14 year-old, generally well and up-to-date with health maintenance, who presents for a sick visit, stating, “My stomach has not been right for about 4 days. The illness began with a 36 h hx of gradual onset nausea, vomiting and loose stools, reporting “I’m not sure how many times I threw up or had diarrhea.” He last vomited about 24 h ago, last stool was around 4 h ago, reported as yellow-brown in color, small volume and without blood. He has been tolerating clear liquids for the past 24 h and voided a small amount around 2 h ago. He feels “a little bit hungry but I am afraid to eat or I might throw up again. I still feel a little bit sick to my stomach.” Joesph reports that he is on the wresting team at his high school and that, “For the past week, one guy after another got this same thing.” VS are within normal limits and denies dizziness with position change from supine to sit or stand. His mucous membranes are slightly dry, with intact skin turgor, and mild diffuse abdominal tenderness without rebound. With a working diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis, which of the two following clinical actions should be taken?
A. Obtain stool for culture and sensitivity.
B. Order a chem panel.
C. Provide information about a slowly progressive diet as tolerated.
D. Prescribe an antiemetic.
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