When assessing clients with gastrointestinal problems, which client would the nurse suspect has shigellosis?

When assessing clients with gastrointestinal problems, which client would the nurse suspect has shigellosis?

• A. Client 1
• B. Client 2
• C. Client 3
• D. Client 4

Answer: (B)

Shigellosis is an invasive infection of the colon caused by Shigella bacteria. The key feature is an abrupt onset of fever with severe abdominal cramps and frequent, small-volume stools that often contain blood and mucus, along with a strong, persistent urge to defecate (tenesmus). Transmission is fecal-oral, so outbreaks commonly occur in crowded or under-sanitized settings like daycares or other places with close contact and shared facilities. A recent exposure to someone with diarrheal illness strengthens the likelihood. Stool culture confirms the diagnosis, and management emphasizes rehydration and, when appropriate, antibiotics to shorten illness and reduce spread. So, a client who presents with fever, cramping, and frequent bloody, mucus-containing stools after recent close contact in a setting like a daycare would be the one most consistent with shigellosis.

Shigellosis is an invasive infection of the colon caused by Shigella bacteria. The key feature is an abrupt onset of fever with severe abdominal cramps and frequent, small-volume stools that often contain blood and mucus, along with a strong, persistent urge to defecate (tenesmus). Transmission is fecal-oral, so outbreaks commonly occur in crowded or under-sanitized settings like daycares or other places with close contact and shared facilities. A recent exposure to someone with diarrheal illness strengthens the likelihood.

Stool culture confirms the diagnosis, and management emphasizes rehydration and, when appropriate, antibiotics to shorten illness and reduce spread. So, a client who presents with fever, cramping, and frequent bloody, mucus-containing stools after recent close contact in a setting like a daycare would be the one most consistent with shigellosis.