Word parts
What it means
Passing stool that is loose or liquid, more often than usual. It can be caused by infection (including C. difficilesee dif-uh-SEELClostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).Full entry ), food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, tube feedings and many drugs, especially antibiotics and laxatives. A lot of diarrhea can quickly cause dehydrationdee-hy-DRAY-shunA state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.de- remove, lack ofhydr/o water-ation processFull entry and loss of electrolyteih-LEK-troh-lytA mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.electr/o electricity-lyte something that can be dissolvedFull entry , especially in infants and older adults.
For the nurse
Record how often, how much, the color and consistency, and watch for signs of dehydration and low potassium. Encourage fluids and protect the skin around the anus. Put a client with new diarrhea in contact precautions per agency policy until infection is ruled out, and use soap and water for hand hygiene when C. difficile is possible.
In a chart
"Five liquid stools this shift; stool sent for C. difficile testing."
At a glance
| Spanish | diarrea |
|---|---|
| Also written | diarrhoea, diarrheal |
Related terms
C. difficile
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.