Why is GP referral considered appropriate for the elderly traveler with diarrhoea lasting 6 days?

• A. To assess dehydration and need for antibiotic therapy
• B. Because antibiotics are never used in travelers
• C. Because home treatment is always effective
• D. Because symptoms always require hospital admission

Answer: (A)

In elderly travelers with diarrhoea lasting several days, referral to a GP is appropriate because it allows a careful check of hydration and the need for antibiotics. Older adults can become dehydrated quickly and have subtle signs of fluid loss or electrolyte imbalance, such as confusion, dizziness, or reduced skin turgor. A clinician can assess how dehydrated they are, review vitals, and decide the right course of action—whether fluids and electrolyte management are enough or whether antibiotics are warranted based on illness severity, fever, blood in stool, or other risk factors. Not all travel-related diarrhoea requires antibiotics, and many cases are self-limiting; home treatment isn’t always sufficient for someone in the elderly age group. Hospital admission is not automatic unless there are signs of severe dehydration, sepsis, or other complications.