DIARRHEA

Frequent liquid stool

Symptom of an intestinal disorder

Foods

Fecal impaction

Bacteria or virus

Toxins

Drug reactions

Laxative abuse

Malabsorption syndrome

Stress and anxiety

Bowel tumor

Inflammatory bowel disease

CAUSES OF DIARRHEA

Bottled water

Meat well cooked

Fruit and vegetables washed

Vegetables well cooked

PREVENTION OF DIARRHEA

Increase PO intake

Water, pedialyte, gatorade

IV fluids 

Bottled water

NONPHARMACOLOGIC MEASURES FOR DIARRHEA

Opiate and opiate related

Somatostatin analogue

Adsorbents

Miscellaneous

USE FOR ANTIDIARRHEALS

CONSTIPATION

Accumulation of hard fecal material in large intestine

A common problem, especially for elders

Insufficient intake of water

Dietary habits

Fecal impaction

Bowel obstruction

Chronic laxative use

Neurologic disorders

Ignoring urge

Lack of exercise

Some drugs 

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION

Assess what is patient usual bowel pattern

Try 1st

High fiber diet

Increase water intake

Exercise

Routine bowel habits

NONPHARMACOLOGIC MEASURES FOR CONSTIPATION

LAXATIVES

Used to promote elimination

Promote soft stool

4 types

Osmotic (saline)

Stimulants (contact or irritants)

Bulk-forming 

Emollients (stool softeners)

4 TYPES OF LAXATIVES

 Prevention of Constipation 

 Avoid straining 

WHY DOES THE CLIENT TAKING COLACE?

Softening and passage of stool 

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WHAT'S THE THERAPEUTIC OF COLACE

Promotes incorporation of water into stool 

 Results in softer fecal mass 

 May also promote electrolyte and water secretion into the colon 

DRUG ACTION OF COLACE

Hypersensitivity 

 Abdominal pain 

 Nausea and/or Vomiting 

 Signs of acute abdomen 

 Above signs/symptoms with fever 

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF COLACE

Throat irritation 

 Mild cramps 

 Rashes 

TOXIC/SIDE EFFECTS OF COLACE

Assess for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual 

pattern of bowel function 

 Assess color, consistency, amount of stool produced 

 Administer with full glass of water or juice 

 May administer on empty stomach for faster results 

 Do not administer within two hours of other laxatives 

 Teach patient that drug is for short-time therapy 

 Long-term use may result in electrolyte imbalance and dependence 

 Encourage fiber in diet, increased fluids, and increased activity  

Instruct to avoid straining with bowel movements, do not take when 

experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or if fever is present, 

do not take within two hours of other laxatives 

NURSING INTERVENTION FOR PT. WHO IS TAKING COLACE

PO: (adults and children > 12 years) 50-500 mg once a day 

Rectal: (adults) 50-100 mg or 1 unit containing 283 mg docusate 

sodium, soft soap, and glycerin 

SAFE DOSE FOR ADULTS WHO ARE TAKING COLACE