Question

why is diarrhea an important nursing diagnoses? what can it lead to and how does it affect the patient?

Answer 1

Diarrhoea is defined as recent change in the consistency and or frequency of stool. Diarrhoea can be due to various reasons. In nursing diagnosis, diarrhoea is very important because the main dangerous complication is dehydration. Nurse should be alert in administration of prescribed iv fluids. The signs and symptoms of dehydration should be recognized properly and treatment should be given appropriately.

Another problem is electrolyte imbalance due to diarrhoea. Hyponatremia can cause altered sensorium and hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness.

Hypotension is another complication of diarrhoea. So patient with diarrhoea should be given care with regular assessment for adequate hydration and vitals monitoring.