Nursing Care Plan

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Nursing Care Plan for Diarrhea

Definition: Passage of loose, unformed stools

Related Factors:
  • Psychological
  • High stress levels and anxiety
  • Situational
  • Alcohol abuse, toxins, laxative abuse, radiation, tube feedings , adverse effects of medications, contaminants, travel
  • Physiological
  • Inflammation, malabsorption, infectious processes, irritation, parasites

As evidenced by

Major:
  • Loose liquid stools and/or:
  • Frequency
Minor:
  • Urgency
  • Cramping/abdominal pain
  • Hyperactive bowel sounds
  • Increase of fluidity or volume of stools

Outcomes
  • Defecates formed, soft stool every day to every third day
  • Maintains a rectal area free of irritation
  • States relief from cramping and less or no diarrhea
  • Explains cause of diarrhea and rationale for treatment
  • Maintains good skin turgor and weight at usual level
  • Contains stool appropriately (if previously incontinent)

Nursing Interventions Nursing Care Plan for Diarrhea
  • Assess abdomen for distention, bowel sounds, pain.

  • Identify factors that contribute to diarrhea.

  • Record color, odor, amount and frequency of stool.

  • Instruct patient in:
    • diet
    • medication usage
    • S/S of diarrhea to watch for requiring medical attention
    • discontinuing solids
    • offer clear liquids.