08-26-2010, 02:44 PM
A 9-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician because she has had 10 episodes of watery diarrhea over the past 36 hours. She is afebrile and has been taking fluids orally without experiencing nausea or vomiting. Her physical examination is unremarkable except for hyperactive bowel sounds. There is no evidence of dehydration. The mother asks what she should give the child to eat and drink while the diarrhea persists. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation?1. Clear liquid diet (e.g., apple juice, broth)
2. Clear liquid diet and oral loperamide
3. Normal, age-appropriate diet with limited fats and sugars
4. BRAT diet (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, and tea/toast)
5. Admission to the hospital for intravenous rehydration
2. Clear liquid diet and oral loperamide
3. Normal, age-appropriate diet with limited fats and sugars
4. BRAT diet (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, and tea/toast)
5. Admission to the hospital for intravenous rehydration