Diarrhea

Acute vs. Chronic

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1. Describe historical and laboratory findings associated with acute diarrhea which would suggest the need for a work-up to rule out an inflammatory or infectious etiology.

2. List four diagnostic studies commonly used to determine the etiology of acute gastroenteritis.

3. Describe the metabolic complications which may be associated with severe acute diarrhea.

4. Describe the physical findings of laboratory results which are used to assess the severity of an episode of acute diarrhea.

5. Identify the benefits and potential complications associated with the use of the following in the management of acute diarrhea.

A. Antibiotics.
B. Opiates or anticholinergic.
C. Fluid replacement.

6. For each of the following causes of acute diarrhea, describe its mode of transmission and recommended prevention and treatment.

A. Salmonella.
B. Shigella.
C. Campylobacter.
D. Giardia lamblia.
E. Escherichia coli.

7. What are some of the causes of chronic recurrent diarrhea?

Source:

Family Medicine:  Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Chapter 16, Pages 95-104

“Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome”  Susan K. Hadley, M.D., Middlesex Hospital, Middlesex, Connecticut, Stephen M. Gaarder, Ph.D., Applied Research Group, Middletown, Connecticut, American Family Physician, December 15, 2005.