The following infections may cause malabsorption in immunocompromised children EXCEPT

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In immunocompromised children, infections can lead to malabsorption due to compromised gut function. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Giardia. Giardia is a parasite that causes giardiasis, leading to malabsorption by damaging the lining of the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption. Shigella (option A), Salmonella (option B), and enteropathogenic E. coli (option C) are bacterial infections that can cause gastroenteritis but typically do not lead to malabsorption in the same way as Giardia. These bacterial infections often cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, but they do not primarily result in malabsorption due to damage to the intestinal lining. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of the specific pathogens that can cause malabsorption in immunocompromised children to provide appropriate treatment and management. Understanding the differences in how various infections affect the gastrointestinal tract helps in accurate diagnosis and targeted interventions to improve outcomes for pediatric patients with GI disorders.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Campylobacter jejuni. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder that can occur as a post-infectious complication of Campylobacter jejuni infection. This bacterium is a common cause of foodborne illness, often associated with undercooked poultry or contaminated water. Option A) Bacillus anthracis is not associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is known to cause anthrax, a serious bacterial infection. Option C) Clostridium botulinum is responsible for botulism, a condition characterized by muscle paralysis due to a potent neurotoxin. Guillain-Barré syndrome is not a typical complication of this infection. Option D) Brucella abortus causes brucellosis, a zoonotic infection transmitted from animals to humans. It does not lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome. In an educational context, understanding the relationship between specific bacterial infections and their potential neurological complications, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly those working in pediatrics. This knowledge aids in accurate diagnosis, timely intervention, and appropriate management of patients with these conditions. It highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse manifestations of infectious diseases and their potential sequelae.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) total osmolarity of 245 mOsm. The WHO ORS formulation is specifically designed for oral rehydration therapy in children with dehydration due to diarrhea. The total osmolarity of the solution is crucial because it affects the rate of absorption in the intestines. An osmolarity of 245 mOsm is higher than the optimal range for effective absorption in the small intestine, which could lead to potential issues such as osmotic diarrhea or inadequate rehydration. Option A) 75 mEq of sodium is correct because sodium is a key electrolyte lost during diarrhea and needs to be replaced for effective rehydration. Option B) 50 mEq of chloride is correct because chloride is another essential electrolyte lost during diarrhea that needs to be replaced. Option C) 20 mEq of potassium is correct because potassium is also lost during diarrhea and plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. Educationally, understanding the components of the WHO ORS formulation is vital for healthcare providers working with pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Proper knowledge of ORS solutions helps in effectively managing dehydration, a common complication of diarrheal illnesses in children. It is essential to know the correct composition of ORS solutions to provide appropriate treatment and prevent further complications in pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nitazoxanide is an anti-infective agent primarily used to treat parasitic infections such as Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica. The correct answer, option C) Shigella, is not effectively treated by nitazoxanide as this bacterium causes bacterial dysentery and requires antibiotics like fluoroquinolones or azithromycin for treatment. Option D) C. difficile is a bacterium associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, which is usually treated with oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin, not nitazoxanide. In an educational context, understanding which infections are effectively treated by specific anti-infective agents is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially in pediatric cases where accurate and timely treatment is essential. By knowing the spectrum of activity of medications like nitazoxanide, healthcare providers can make informed decisions to provide optimal care for pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pediatric GI disorders, understanding the diagnostic features of acute appendicitis is crucial. In this question, the correct answer is option B: scoliosis from psoas muscle spasm. This is because scoliosis is not a typical finding associated with acute appendicitis. Option A, sentinel loops of bowel and localized ileus, is a common radiographic finding in acute appendicitis due to the inflammatory response causing bowel loops to become fixed. Option C, a RLQ soft-tissue mass, is also commonly seen in acute appendicitis due to the inflamed appendix forming a mass. Option D, a calcified appendicolith, is a classic finding in 50% of cases of acute appendicitis, indicating a calcified stone within the appendix. Educationally, understanding the nuances of radiographic findings in pediatric GI disorders like acute appendicitis is essential for healthcare providers to make accurate diagnoses and provide timely treatment. By differentiating between typical and atypical findings, providers can ensure appropriate management and improve patient outcomes.