A client is found to have a bacterial infection of Escherichia coli. T

A client is found to have a bacterial infection of Escherichia coli. The nurse, recognizing the ef-fects of this bacterium, anticipates that the client will demonstrate:

1. Diarrhea
2. Coughing
3. Cold sores around the mouth
4. Discharge from the eyes

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Escherichia coli causes gastroenteritis and urinary tract infections. The client with E. coli infec-tion is likely to demonstrate diarrhea. E. coli is found in the colon, not the respiratory tract.
Cold sores are seen with herpes simplex virus (type 1), not with E. coli. Discharge from the eyes is not seen with E. coli infection. It may be seen with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.