NURSING CARE PLAN FOR DIARRHEA
Assessment
Subjective: (Patient
reports)

Abdominal
pain

Gas,
bloating

Urgency
and
frequency
Objective: (Nurse
assesses)

Hyperactiv
e bowel
sounds

Three or
more loose
stools per
day

Blood or
mucus in
the stool
Diagnosis

Risk for
bleeding
related to
possible
impaired
liver
function.

Deficient
fluid
volume
related to
vascular
leakage.

Pain
related to
abdominal
pain and
severe
headaches
.

Risk for
ineffective
tissue
perfusion
related to
failure of
the
circulatory
system.

Risk for
shock
related to
dysfunctio
n in the
circulatory
system.
Objective

Patient will
verbalize
understandin
g of foods
that
contribute to
diarrhea.

Patient will
maintain
adequate
fluid intake to
prevent
dehydration
of at least
1500 mL/day.

Patient will
report
experiencing
less than
three loose
stools per
day.

Patient will
report stools
are formed
and soft
without
blood or
mucus.

Patient will
report relief
from
abdominal
pain, gas, or
cramping.
Intervention

Encourage a
liquid diet.
Diarrhea
normally
requires bowel
rest and the
healthcare
provider may
order an NPO
diet, but more
likely a clear or
full liquid diet.

Educate on diet
changes to
prevent
diarrhea. A
bland diet with
low fiber is
needed to bulk
the stools.

Review
medications.
Medications
may need to be
changed if
diarrhea is an
intolerable side
effect. Review
how a patient
is taking their
medications.

Administer
antidiarrheals
as appropriate.
Once the cause
of diarrhea has
been
determined
and it is not
contraindicate
d, administer
antidiarrheals
to stop
diarrhea.

Correct
electrolyte
imbalances.
Dehydration is
common with
diarrhea.
Administer IV
fluids if
Evaluation

Patient
knows the
foods that
contribute
to diarrhea.

Adequate
fluid intake
to prevent
dehydration
of at least
1500
mL/day is
maintained.

Patient
reports
when
experiencin
g less than
three loose
stools per
day.

Patient
report
stools that
are formed
and soft
without
blood or
mucus.

Patient
reports
relief from
abdominal
pain, gas, or
cramping.







dehydration is
severe. Replace
electrolytes
such as
potassium if
required.
Children may
need oral
rehydration.
Children
experiencing
diarrhea may
need oral
rehydration
solutions such
as Pedialyte.
Promote
relaxation for
stress or
anxiety.
Promote skin
integrity.
Frequent
diarrhea can
cause skin
breakdown to
the perianal
area.
Educate on
proper food
handling. Food
poisoning is a
common cause
of diarrhea.
Refer to
specialists for
chronic
diarrhea.
Chronic
diarrhea that
lasts longer
than four
weeks requires
further
assessment.
Lifestyle
modifications.
Alcohol can be
irritating to the
intestines and
speeds
digestion.
Educate on
post-surgical
expectations.
Patients
undergoing GI
surgeries will
likely have
loose stools for
days to weeks.