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.

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Last updated: April 16, 2010