The nurse is explaining to a parent how to care for a school-age child with vomiting associated with a viral illness. Which action should the nurse include?

A) Avoid carbohydrate-containing liquids.
B) Give nothing by mouth for 24 hours.
C) Brush teeth or rinse mouth after vomiting.
D) Give plain water until vomiting ceases for at least 24 hours.

It is important to emphasize the need for the child to brush the teeth or rinse the mouth after vomiting to dilute the hydrochloric acid that comes in contact with the teeth. Ad libitum administration of glucose-electrolyte solution to an alert child will help restore water and electrolytes satisfactorily. It is important to include carbohydrate to spare body protein and avoid ketosis.