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

[craiczarry]

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

Question 2

Which of the following would the nurse expect as a normal change in the bowel elimination as a person ages?
 
  1. Absorptive processes are increased in the intestinal mucosa.
  2. Esophageal emptying time is increased.
  3. Changes in nerve innervation and sensation cause diarrhea.
  4. Mastication processes are less efficient.

[stano32]

Answer to Question 1

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.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 4
An expected change in bowel elimination is decreased chewing and decreased salivation, result-ing in less efficient mastication. There is decreased nutrient absorption of the small intestine in the older adult. Esophageal emptying slows, as a result of reduced motility, especially in the lower third of the esophagus. With decreased peristalsis and weakened musculature, the older adult is more prone to constipation. Duller nerve sensations may place the older adult at increased risk for fecal incontinence.