Diarrhea

1. Factors that increase the risk of diarrhea.

1. Drug side effects.

2. Food allergies.

3. Infections.

4. Ingestion of toxins.

5. Fecal impactions.

6. Diseases such as cancer, diverticulosis, etc.

7. Radiation.

8. Laxative abuse.

9. Stress.

10. Lactose intolerance.

2. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea.

1. Abdominal pain.

2. Cramping.

3. Increased stool frequency (greater than three movements per day).

4. Loose liquid stool.

5. Urgency.

6. Change in color of stool.

3. Measures to prevent or manage diarrhea.

1. Perform good personal hygiene after each bowel movement to prevent skin breakdown.

2. Avoid coarse, irritating foods.

3. Avoid high-residue foods such as vegetables, whole grain cereals, and breads.

4. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods, which may increase peristalsis.

5. Avoid large caffeine intake.

6. Replace fluids and electrolytes by consuming fluids such as Gatorade, bouillon, and soft drinks.

7. Beginning with clear liquids, progress to small, frequent meals of bland, high-carbohydrate foods such as rice, cooked cereal, bananas, baked or boiled potatoes, etc.

8. Take antidiarrheal medications as ordered.

9. Avoid milk due to possible lactose intolerance.

4. How to prevent spread of infection.

1. Wear gloves if handling any contaminated clothing or linens, and wash hands thoroughly.

2. Wash contaminated clothing or linen separately.

3. Wash hands thoroughly after toileting.

5. Possible complications of diarrhea.

1. Dehydration (indicated by dry mouth, poor skin turgor, dry, flushed skin, decreased urine output, sunken eyes, and weak, rapid pulse).

2. Electrolyte imbalance. (Provide "Electrolyte Imbalance" handout.)

3. Anal excoriation.