Solved

A 4-Year-Old Girl Is Brought to the Emergency Department for Evaluation

question 627

Multiple Choice

A 4-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department for evaluation of bloody diarrhea. Five days ago, she developed vomiting and diarrhea. The vomiting resolved, but she continued to have 4-5 episodes of diarrhea per day. The patient then developed bloody stools last night. She has had minimal fluid intake in the last 24 hours and has been sleeping most of the day today. Her younger brother had similar symptoms this week and required hospitalization 2 days ago for dehydration; his stool culture was positive for Escherichia coli O157:H7. The patient has no chronic medical conditions and has not traveled outside of the country. Temperature is 37.1 C (98.8 F) , blood pressure is 120/70 mm Hg, pulse is 150/min, respirations are 30/min. She appears tired and anxious on physical examination. The oral mucosa appears dry, and capillary refill is 4 seconds. The remainder of the physical examination is unremarkable. The patient is admitted to the hospital for further management. Which of the following is the most appropriate therapy for this patient's condition?

Definitions:

Unconscious Conflict

A term in psychoanalytic theory referring to a struggle or clash between different impulses, desires, or aspects of the unconscious mind.

Coping Mechanisms

Strategies or behaviors that individuals use to manage stress, adversity, or emotional distress.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often reflecting a reaction to stress.

Conscious

The state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings and thoughts.