An 8-month-old infant is hospitalized with severe diarrhea.The nurse knows that the major problem associated with severe diarrhea is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Excess loss of colonic fluid because of diarrhea can result in serious fluid and electrolyte or acid-base imbalances.Infants and older adults are particularly susceptible to associated complications.Pain from abdominal cramping may occur with diarrhea,but it is not the major problem associated 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 buttocks 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 electrolyte or acid-base imbalance.

An 8-Month-Old Infant Is Hospitalized with Severe Diarrhea