NUR 606 GI Practice Questions with Answers

Diarrhea an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, a decrease in the form of stool (greater looseness and fluidity of stool) or combination of these two features -the consistency of stool can vary considerably in healthy people on diet Acute diarrhea -usually lasts several days but may persist as long as a week Chronic diarrhea When symptoms persist for 3 weeks in children and adults and 4 weeks in infants Diarrhea must be distinguished from four conditions it can be confused with: 1. incontinence of stool, which is the inability to control or delay BM 2. rectal urgency, a sudden urge to have a BM that could lead to incontinence 3. Incomplete evacuation, which is a sensation that another BM is necessary soon after a BM, yet there is difficulty passing further stool 4. BM immediately after eating meals Consequences of prolonged diarrhea dehydration that may progress to shock, kidney failure and electrolyte deficiencies (especially sodium and potassium, but also Cl and bicarb) The most common cause of acute diarrhea infection- primarily viral but also bacterial and parasitic specifically viral gastroenteritis -rotavirus is most severe acute diarrhea in infants and young children Most common cause of epidemic diarrhea Calicivirus- transmitted by food that is contaminated by sick food handlers or by person-to-person contact Norwalk- is the most common among school-aged children and adults Food poisoning a brief illness that is caused by toxins produced by bacteria. With staph aureus, toxins are produced in the food before it is eaten, while other bacteria (Clostridium perfringens) toxins are produced in the bowel after food is eaten -typically food has been left at room temperature for 6+ hours -C. perfringens often multiplies in cans Causes of Chronic Diarrhea -Irritable bowel disease, results in the rapid passage of intestinal contents though the colon