Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery stools. The nursing diagnosis “Diarrhea” is used to identify individuals who are experiencing symptoms of diarrhea and are in need of interventions to alleviate the condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the NANDA nursing diagnosis for diarrhea, as well as the defining characteristics, related factors, risk population, and associated problems. We will also provide suggestions for use, alternative NANDA diagnoses, usage tips, lists of NOC and NIC interventions, and conclude with a summary of the importance of understanding and addressing diarrhea.

NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition

According to NANDA International, the nursing diagnosis for diarrhea is defined as “a disturbance in the normal pattern of bowel elimination characterized by an increased frequency of loose, watery stools.”

Defining Characteristics

Subjective

• Patient reports frequent bowel movements
• Patient reports loose and watery stools
• Patient reports abdominal cramping or discomfort
• Patient reports nausea and/or vomiting

Objective

• Patient has increased frequency of bowel movements as per standards of normal bowel movement frequency
• Patient has loose and watery stools as per examination and testing (such as fecal testing for consistency, osmotic gap and fecal leukocytes)
• Patient has abdominal cramping or discomfort as per examination and vital signs
• Patient has nausea and/or vomiting as per examination and vital signs

Related Factors

• Infection (such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections)
• Food intolerance or allergies
• Medications (such as antibiotics, laxatives, and antacids)
• Medical conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome)
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Stress
• Travel

Risk Population

Individuals who have infection, food intolerance or allergies, taking certain medications, medical conditions, radiation or chemotherapy, stress, or are traveling are at risk for developing diarrhea.

Associated Problems

Diarrhea can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Malnutrition
• Increased risk of infection
• Impaired mobility and activity intolerance
• Impaired skin integrity
• Impaired comfort

Suggestions for Use

• Assess the patient’s current bowel elimination patterns and any related symptoms
• Identify any potential contributing factors, such as infections, food intolerance or allergies, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits
• Conduct a physical examination and any necessary testing (such as fecal testing for consistency, osmotic gap and fecal leukocytes) to determine if objective measures support the patient’s symptoms of diarrhea
• Implement interventions to address diarrhea, such as providing education on proper hydration, administering medications as prescribed, and addressing any underlying infections or medical conditions
• Monitor the patient’s response to interventions and adjust as needed
• Consider referral to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management if necessary

Suggested Alternative NANDA Diagn

• Impaired skin integrity
• Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• Risk for impaired skin integrity

Usage Tips

• Be aware of the patient’s current bowel elimination patterns and any related symptoms
• Identify and address any potential contributing factors, such as infections, food intolerance or allergies, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits
• Conduct a physical examination and any necessary testing to determine if objective measures support the patient’s symptoms of diarrhea
• Implement interventions to address diarrhea, such as providing education on proper hydration, administering medications as prescribed, and addressing any underlying infections or medical conditions

NOC Results

1. Bowel elimination: The patient’s bowel elimination patterns will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address diarrhea
2. Hydration status: The patient’s hydration status will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances associated with diarrhea
3. Nutrition: The patient’s nutrition status will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address malnutrition associated with diarrhea
4. Infection control: The patient’s risk of infection will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to prevent and control any infections related to diarrhea
5. Mobility: The patient’s mobility will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address any limitations or activity intolerance related to diarrhea
6. Skin integrity: The patient’s skin integrity will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address any impairment related to diarrhea
7. Comfort: The patient’s comfort will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to diarrhea

NIC Interventions

1. Fluid and electrolyte management: Interventions will be implemented to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances associated with diarrhea, such as administering fluids and electrolyte replacement solutions as prescribed
2. Nutrition management: Interventions will be implemented to address malnutrition associated with diarrhea, such as providing a diet high in electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals and providing oral or enteral supplements as prescribed
3. Infection control: Interventions will be implemented to prevent and control any infections related to diarrhea, such as administering antibiotics or antiviral medications as prescribed, and implementing proper infection control measures
4. Mobility assistance: Interventions will be implemented to address any limitations or activity intolerance related to diarrhea, such as providing assistive devices, physical therapy, and encouraging rest as needed
5. Skin care: Interventions will be implemented to address any impairment related to diarrhea, such as providing perianal care, skin care products, and implementing measures to prevent skin breakdown
6. Comfort measures: Comfort measures, such as heat therapy, will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to diarrhea
7. Bowel education: The patient will be provided with education on normal bowel habits, diet, and strategies for managing diarrhea

Conclusion

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery stools. The nursing diagnosis “Diarrhea” is used to identify individuals who are experiencing symptoms of diarrhea and are in need of interventions to alleviate the condition. Understanding the related factors, associated problems, and interventions for diarrhea is important for healthcare professionals to provide effective care for patients. Implementing interventions such as providing education on proper hydration, administering medications as prescribed, and addressing any underlying infections or medical conditions can help to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.