An 8-month-old infant is hospitalized with severe diarrhea. The nurse

An 8-month-old infant is hospitalized with severe diarrhea. The nurse knows that the major problem associated with severe diarrhea is:

1. Pain in the abdominal area
2. Electrolyte and fluid loss
3. Presence of excessive flatus
4. Irritation of the perineal and rectal area

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Excess loss of colonic fluid because of diarrhea can result in serious fluid and electrolyte or ac-id-base imbalances. Infants and older adults are particularly susceptible to associated complica-tions. Pain from abdominal cramping may occur with diarrhea, but it is not the major problem as-sociated with severe diarrhea. Excessive flatus is not the major problem associated with severe diarrhea. Because repeated passage of diarrhea stools exposes the skin of the perineum and but-tocks to irritating intestinal contents, meticulous skin care and containment of fecal drainage are needed to prevent skin breakdown. The greatest danger of severe diarrhea is a fluid and electro-lyte or acid-base imbalance.