Diarrhoea

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Increase in water content, volume or frequency of stools

Question 2

Classification

Answer 2

Acute <4wk
Chronic >4wk
Functional = continuous syndrome passing loose stool w/o pain or discomfort
ROME III - 75% stool loose w/o pain >3m

Question 3

Consequences

Answer 3

Malnutrition
Dehydration
Weight loss
Anaemia
Electrolyte imbalances

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

Treatment of cause
Oral rehydration therapy
Drugs - bulk-forming, anti-spasmodics

Question 5

Dietary assessment

Answer 5

Weight
Biochem - electrolytes, hydration
Clinical - bowel freq, length symptoms, bristol stool chart, fluid intake, medical diagnosis

Pt info - anxiety, food safety

Question 6

Dietary advice (4)

Answer 6

Limit fruit juice (sorbitol)
Reduce alcohol + caffeine
Small freq snacks
Avoid high fibre + deep fried greasy foods

Question 7

Overflow/paradoxical

Answer 7

Seen in - elderly, terminally ill, chronic constipation

Due to constipation - stools become so impacted that faecal fluid seeps past