Nursing Care Plan for Diarrhea

Nursing Care Plan for Diarrhea: Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea | Definition of Diarrhea; Defining Characteristics of Diarrhea; Related Factors of Diarrhea;


Nursing Diagnosis: Diarrhea

Definition of Diarrhea

  • Passage of loose, unformed stools


Defining Characteristics of Diarrhea

  • Abdominal pain and cramping

  • At least three loose, liquid stools per day

  • Hyperactive bowel sounds

  • Urgency

Related Factors of Diarrhea

  • Psychological: anxiety, high stress levels

  • Physiological: malabsorption, infectious processes, irritation, parasites, inflammation

  • Situational: adverse effects of medications, alcohol abuse, toxins, laxative abuse, contaminants, radiation, tube feedings, travel

Assessment Focus | Nursing Care Plan for Diarrhea


Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea | Assessment Focus; Expected Outcomes; Suggested NOC Outcomes

Assessment Focus (Refer To Comprehensive Assessment Parameters.)

  • Coping

  • Emotional

  • Elimination

  • Fluid and electrolytes

  • Nutrition

Expected Outcomes | Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea

The patient will

  • Have less or no diarrheal episodes.

  • Resume usual bowel pattern.

  • Maintain weight and fluid and electrolyte balance.

  • Keep skin clean and free from irritation or ulcerations.

  • Explain causative factors and preventive measures.

  • Discuss relationship of stress and anxiety to episodes of diarrhea.

  • State plans to use stress-reduction techniques (specify).

  • Demonstrate ability to use at least one stress-reduction technique.

Suggested NOC Outcomes | Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea

Bowel Continence; Hydration; Symptom Control


Nursing Interventions of Diarrhea | Nursing Care Plan for Diarrhea


Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea | Nursing Interventions of Diarrhea and Rationales; Suggested NIC Interventions

Nursing Interventions of Diarrhea and Rationales

  • Monitor and record frequency and characteristics of stools to monitor treatment effectiveness.

  • Identify stressors and help the patient solve problems to provide more realistic approach to care.

  • Monitor perianal skin for irritation and ulceration; treat according to established protocol to promote comfort, skin integrity, and freedom from infection.

  • Administer anti diarrheal medications, as ordered, to improve body function, promote comfort, and balance body fluids, salts, and acid–base levels. Monitor and report effectiveness of medication.

  • Provide replacement fluids and electrolytes as prescribed. Maintain accurate records to ensure balanced fluid intake and output.

  • Teach patient to use relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension and nervousness; recognize and reduce intake of diarrhea producing foods or substances (such as dairy products and fruit) to reduce residual waste matter and decrease intestinal irritation.

  • Instruct patient to record diarrheal episodes and report them to staff to promote comfort and maintain effective patient–staff communication.

  • Encourage patient to ventilate stresses and anxiety; release of pent-up emotions can temporarily relieve emotional distress.

  • Encourage and assist patient to practice relaxation techniques to reduce tension and promote self-knowledge and growth.

  • Spend at least 10 min with patient twice daily to discuss stress reducing techniques; this can help patient pinpoint specific fears.

  • Consult with dietician to determine foods that may be related to diarrheal episodes.

Suggested NIC Interventions | Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea

Diarrhea Management; Nutrition Management; Skin Surveillance; Weight Management

This is a sample of Nursing Diagnosis for Diarrhea.