When treating a child for whipworms with mebendazole, which assessments should be prioritized by the nurse?

When treating a child for whipworm infections with mebendazole, prioritizing assessments related to bowel movements and fluid balance is essential. Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) predominantly affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential dehydration due to fluid loss.

Monitoring bowel movements aids in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment and provides insights into the child’s gastrointestinal function, which may be compromised due to the worm infestation. Additionally, evaluating fluid balance is crucial because diarrhea can lead to dehydration, necessitating careful observation of the child's fluid intake and output.

While vital signs and blood pressure are important in assessing the overall health of a child and skin condition may indicate other health issues, they are not as directly related to the primary concerns associated with whipworm infections and the use of anthelmintics like mebendazole. Prioritizing bowel movements and fluid balance directly addresses the consequences of the infection and treatment, making it the most relevant focus of assessment.