Nursing Diagnosis: Diarrhea
Definition of Diarrhea
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.