Evaluation of Diarrhea in the ICU

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• Shock (hypovolemic or septic)
• Severe electrolyte (Na/K) or acid-base derangements
• Surgical evaluation for acute abdomen
• DEFINITION OF DIARRHEA: stool volume >250-300 g/day, or 3 or more loose stools/day. Alternatively, may be simply an increased frequency and decreased consistency of stool compared with pt’s baseline.