skip to main content

Oral rehydration advice — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardGastrointestinal TherapeuticsOral rehydration adviceGPhC CRA

A parent requests oral rehydration sachets for a 4-year-old who has vomited three times. The most recent vomit was clearly dark green; there is intermittent severe abdominal pain, but the child has passed urine. What is the best pharmacy action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Arrange urgent assessment for obstruction or another acute abdominal cause

NICE identifies bilious green vomiting and severe or localised abdominal pain as possible indicators of a diagnosis other than gastroenteritis requiring face-to-face assessment. Preserved urine output does not exclude obstruction or another acute abdominal cause. ORS may be appropriate in uncomplicated gastroenteritis, but it must not delay escalation here; loperamide, fluid withholding and unsupervised antiemetic treatment are not safe substitutes.

Reference: NICE CG84: gastroenteritis in under-5s. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg84/chapter/Recommendations