N410 (NURS 355 & NURS 219)

Chapter 42: Lower GI Problems DIARRHEA - Passage of at least three loose or liquid stool per day - Acute: lasting 14 days or less - Persistent: lasting longer than 14 days - Chronic: lasts 30 days or longer Etiology and Patho - Primary cause of acute diarrhea is ingesting an infectious organism - Viruses are also a common cause in the US - E. coli is most common (can be bloody) - Undercooked chicken or beef and fruits and vegetables contaminated manure - Travelers diarrhea: Giardia lamblia, inte...