Single Best Answer (SBA) · Acute Diarrhoea in Adults

A 1-year-old child has acute watery diarrhoea and some dehydration but is alert and able to drink. What is the most appropriate management?

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Answer: E. ORS with continued feeding/breastfeeding and zinc supplementation

Managing acute diarrhoea in a child

A child with some dehydration who can drink is managed with oral rehydration solution, continued feeding and (per WHO guidance) zinc supplementation.

Key components

ORS to replace fluid and electrolyte losses.
Early re-feeding: continue breastfeeding and an age-appropriate diet; avoid unnecessary food restriction, which impairs recovery.
Zinc reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoea in children and the risk of future episodes.

High-risk groups needing extra care

Infants and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, the immunocompromised, and those with chronic disease.

What to avoid

Routine antibiotics (most cases are viral and self-limiting).
Antimotility drugs as first-line in children.
Prolonged fasting or withholding milk.

When to escalate

Severe dehydration, inability to tolerate oral fluids, altered mental status or significant comorbidity warrants admission and IV fluids.