A nurse is caring for an elderly client with viral gastroenteritis. What complication should the nurse be particularly vigilant for in this population?

A) Correct. Many bacteria that cause gastroenteritis release toxins that directly damage the gastrointestinal lining.

B) Incorrect. While invasion of cells can occur with certain bacteria, it is not the primary mechanism of action for all bacterial gastroenteritis.

C) Incorrect. While inflammation is a common response to bacterial infection, it may not be the primary mechanism of all cases of bacterial gastroenteritis.

D) Incorrect. Disruption of normal gut flora is more commonly associated with certain types of antibiotics rather than the direct mechanism of bacteria causing gastroenteritis.

A) Incorrect. While antidiarrheal medications can provide relief, they should be used with caution as they can potentially prolong the infection by preventing the body from expelling the infectious agent.

B) Correct. It's generally recommended to avoid using antidiarrheal medications in cases of infectious gastroenteritis, as they can impede the body's natural defense mechanism of expelling the infectious agent through diarrhea.

C) Incorrect. Antidiarrheal medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider in specific cases, but they are not recommended as a first-line treatment for infectious gastroenteritis.

D) Incorrect. Antidiarrheal medications can be used in both children and adults, but they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.