Diarrhoea

A vaccine is available against rotavirus to prevent diarrhea. Rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. The vaccine helps to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, providing protection against rotavirus infection and reducing the risk of diarrhea.

Water is the correct answer because it is the most effective and recommended fluid for reconstituting oral rehydration salts. Water helps to replenish the body's lost fluids and electrolytes, aiding in the rehydration process. Fruit juice and soda are not suitable for reconstituting oral rehydration salts as they contain high amounts of sugar and can actually worsen dehydration.

Poor skin turgor and tachycardia are both warning signs that indicate dehydration. Poor skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and ability to bounce back when pinched. In dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes less resilient. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is an increased heart rate. When the body is dehydrated, the heart works harder to pump blood and compensate for the lack of fluid. Therefore, both poor skin turgor and tachycardia can be observed as indicators of dehydration. Increased urine output, however, is not a specific sign of dehydration as it can also be caused by other factors such as diuretic use or certain medical conditions.

A child should be referred if the number of diarrhoeal stools in the previous 24 hours is more than 6. This is because a high number of diarrhoeal stools can indicate a severe case of diarrhea, which may require medical intervention. It is important to monitor and address excessive fluid loss in children with diarrhea to prevent dehydration and other complications.

In a child suffering from diarrhoea, it is important to continue breastfeeding day and night because breast milk provides essential nutrients and helps prevent dehydration. Breast milk can also be given together with oral rehydration salts to ensure the child is getting enough fluids and electrolytes. Formula milk should be stopped for 6 hours because it can be harder to digest and may worsen the symptoms of diarrhoea.

Children below the age of 3 years who experience diarrhoea lasting for more than 2 days should be referred for further evaluation and management. This is because prolonged diarrhoea in young children can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be potentially dangerous. Referring these cases allows for proper assessment and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and ensure the child's well-being.

Loperamide is not recommended in children below the age of 12 years. This is because loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that can have serious side effects in young children, including severe constipation and even toxic megacolon. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended age guidelines and consult a healthcare professional before giving loperamide to children.

The correct answer is to refer immediately because the child has developed diarrhea after a vacation in Brazil. Diarrhea can be a symptom of various infections or diseases, some of which may require medical intervention. Referring the child immediately to a healthcare professional will ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.