Ask about diarrhoea in ALL children
ASK: Does the child have diarrhoea? If the mother answers NO, ask about the next main symptom, fever. You do not need to assess the child further for signs related to diarrhoea. If the mother answers YES, or if the mother said earlier that diarrhoea was the reason
for coming to the clinic, record her answer. Then assess the child for signs of dehydration, persistent diarrhoea and dysentery.
ASK: For how long? Diarrhoea which lasts
14 days or more is persistent diarrhoea. Give the mother time to answer the question. She may need time to recall the exact number of days.
ASK: Is there blood in the stool? Ask the mother if she has seen blood in the stools at anytime during this episode of diarrhoea. Next, check for signs of
dehydration. LOOK and
FEEL for the following signs
LOOK at the child's general condition. Is the child lethargic or unconscious Share with your friends: