Paediatric viral gastroenteritis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: A — Use oral rehydration solution in frequent small volumes

Use oral rehydration solution in frequent small volumes is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Paediatric viral gastroenteritis better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to CPS acute gastroenteritis guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: CPS acute gastroenteritis guidance