Exam 2: Chapter 47 - Diarrhea Flashcards
What is Diarrhea
Increased frequency of bowel movements (>3 /day) with altered consistency (increased liquidity of stool)
Diarrhea cna be associated with
urgency, perianal discomfort, incontinence, nausea, or a combination of these factors
Acute diarrhea lasts
1-2 days, may be because they dont have bacteria present because of viral infection
persistent diarrhea lasts
2-4 weeks, and caused by viral infections, chemotherapy, drugs
Causes of Diarrhea?
Infections, Medications, Tube Feeding Formulas, Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders , and Various Disease Processes
How can they prevent Diarrhea in terms of bacteria?
Patient may be prescribed a probiotic, encouragin the growth of bacteria in the GI
Acute and persistent diarrheas are classified as either
noninflammatory (large volume) or inflammatory (small volume)
What do Enteric Pathogens do?
The ones that are noninvasive do not cause inflmattion but secrete toxins that disrupt colinic fluid transport. Cause noninflammatory diarrhea which is characterized by large volume of loose, watery stools
Types of chronic diarrhea include
secretory, osmotic, malabsorptive, infectious, and exudative
what is secretory diarrhea
usualaly a high-volume diarrhea. Often associated with bacterial toxins and chemotherapeutic agents used to treat neoplasms, and it is caused by increased production and secretion of water and electrolytes by the intestinal mucosa into the intestinal lumen
What is osmotic diarrhea
Occurs when water is pulled into the intesetines by the osmotic pressure of unasborbed particles, slowing the reabsorption of water
What is malabsorptive diarrhea
combines mechanical and biochemical actions, inhibiting effective absorption of nutrients.
What is infectious diarrhea
results from infectious agents invading the intestinal mucosa.
What is exudative diarrhea
Caused by changes in mucosal integrity, epithelial loss, or tissue destruction by radiation or chemotherapy
Clinical Manifestaitons
Abdominal Cramps
Distention
Borborygmus (Rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas through the intestines),
Anorexia,
Thirst
Voluminous, greasy stools suggest
intestinal malabsorption (impaired transport across the mucosa)
presence of blood, mucus, and pus in the stool suggests
inflammatory enteritis or colitis
Test to perform?
CBC;
Serum Chemistries,;
Urinalysis;
Routine Stool Examination; and
Stool Exmination for Infectious or Parasitic Organisms , bacterial toxins, blood, fat, and electrolytes and WBCs
Complications?
Dehydration (Most Common)
Loss of Potassium -> Caridac Dysrhythmias
Loss Bicarbonate -> Matbolic Acidosis
Urinary Output less than 30 mL fpr 2-3 hours can lead to
muscle weakness, Paresthesia, Hypotension.
What electrolyte imbalance can easily occur with diarrhea?
Hypokalemia
Medical Management?
Infection control measures that restrict C. Diff.
Certain medications and antidiarrheal agents may be prescribed. Most common is loperamide
During an eipisode of diarrhea, patient is encouraged to
increase intake of liquids and foods low in bulk until the symptoms subside.
What drug is now banned since it can cause Europehea
Imodium. If you take enough, you will be like this for 30 minutes
