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.