Six-year-old Alex attended a birthday party where hot dogs and potato salad were served for lunch. Several hours after returning home, Alex began vomiting and having severe diarrhea. Alex was admitted to the hospital for treatment of his vomiting and diarrhea and was diagnosed with Salmonella food poisoning. Alex was given IV fluids for dehydration. Alex
The correct coding for Alex's condition should address all pertinent diagnoses mentioned in the case. This includes the confirmed Salmonella food poisoning (005.9), the specific type of infection (Salmonella infection, unspecified (003.9)), the dehydration that warranted IV fluids (276.51), and the symptoms of vomiting (787.03) and diarrhea (787.91) as they were significant enough to be part of the clinical picture. Option D includes all these relevant diagnoses and symptoms, providing a comprehensive representation of Alex's medical condition.
A is the best answer
Don't know if the question is complete because it is saying that the answer is A. But the question does not say anything about Alex having asthma (493.90). Also, since the vomiting and diarrhea was present on admission, why would you not code for it because he was also treated for it. There is a confirmed dx of food poisoning, why wouldn't that code be included as well. I would think that the answered would-be D, but it does not say anything about the child asthma. Therefore, that is the reason why I think that this question is not complete. But based on the other dx(s) that should be included is the reason why I assumed that the answer should be D. Could someone please confirm if the answer should be A or D?