Skip to content

Patient case: Cholera

Discussion

A 42-year-old male presented to the emergency department with profuse, watery diarrhea, described as "rice-water" stools, and vomiting. Symptoms began abruptly two days ago, and he noted increasing weakness and dehydration. The patient recently returned from a coastal region where a cholera outbreak had been reported. He denied abdominal pain or fever. On examination, he was tachycardic and had dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and poor skin turgor, indicating severe dehydration. Laboratory results confirmed electrolyte imbalances, with low potassium levels. The patient was diagnosed with cholera, and immediate rehydration with intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts was initiated. Antibiotics were considered to reduce the duration of diarrhea.

 

Questions
1. What is the typical appearance of stools in a patient with cholera?

a) Black, tarry stools

b) Blood-streaked stools

c) Rice-water stools

d) Green, frothy stools

2. Which symptom is commonly associated with cholera?

a) Constipation

b) Severe watery diarrhea

c) Bloody vomiting

d) Chronic cough

3. What is the primary treatment for dehydration caused by cholera?

a) Antibiotics

b) Intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts

c) Surgery

d) Antidiarrheal medications

4. What is the most likely cause of the patient's cholera infection?

a) Contaminated water or food

b) Airborne transmission

c) Direct contact with an infected person

d) Animal bites

1. c) Rice-water stools

2. b) Severe watery diarrhea

3. b) Intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts

4. a) Contaminated water or food

Reveal answers

Answers