Infectious Diarrhea
Infectious Diarrhea, a gastrointestinal illness, is an increase in the volume of stool that is caused by various agents from outside the Digestive System including viruses, parasites, or bacteria. These agents invade the intestinal tract of the affected person leading to damage and inflammation in the intestinal lining of the gut. This inflammation in the intestine results in symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or watery bowel movements each day that may cause dehydration in the body.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of infectious diarrhea involves symptoms of cramping, nausea, abdominal pain, loose stool, or a change in the frequency of defecation resulting in the disruption of normal intestinal function. In such conditions, the immune system responds to the gastrointestinal infection by releasing cytokines in the gut that results in watery diarrhea. This response leads to increased fluid secretion into the bowels or gut lumen which may lead to several complications including dehydration in the body due to electrolyte imbalance. In certain cases of diarrhea if left untreated, infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria produce enterotoxins in the gut lumen. Resultantly, the cell linings of the intestine are damaged which further worsens the condition leading to dehydration, fatigue, malabsorption, and muscle weakness (Hoffman & Sullivan, 2019). Moreover, the electrolyte imbalance can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypovolemic shock in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, or elderly people. The condition occurs when a person loses more than 15% of the body’s fluid due to dehydration.
Nursing Considerations
Patients with infectious diarrhea need to be treated by nurses who have a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of the illness so that they can provide appropriate care to the patient experiencing the infectious condition of diarrhea. The management of the illness includes monitoring symptoms, educating patients about preventive measures, administering appropriate medication to prevent the further spread of the transmission of the infection in the body, and monitoring electrolyte levels. Furthermore, nurses should also take necessary measures for infection control such as avoiding exposure to contaminated water and frequent hand washing to prevent the transmission of infectious diarrhea to other patients in the immediate care facility and the healthcare workers (Hoffman & Sullivan, 2019).
References
Hoffman, J. J., & Sullivan, N. J. (2019). Davis Advantage for Medical-surgical Nursing. (2nd ed.). F. A. Davis Company.
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