Diarrhoea and constipation

Question 1

Definition of diarrhoea

Answer 1

Loss of fluids and solutes from the GI tract in excess of 500ml per day

Question 2

Complications of diarrhoea

Answer 2

Dehydration
Metabolic acidosis
Hypokalaemia

Question 3

Management aims for diarrhoea

Answer 3

Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance (hydrate)
Antimicrobial agents
Anti motility agents
Antispasmodic agents

Question 4

Anti-microbial agents for severe diarrhoea

Answer 4

Cotrimoxazole
Erythromycin
Ciprofloxacin
Doxycycline

Question 5

Anti-motility agents for diarrhoea

Answer 5

For symptomatic relief

Contraindicated in acute infective diarrhoeas

Question 6

Mechanism of infectious diarrhoea

Answer 6

Infectious agent stimulated mucosa 
Increased peristalsis (colicky pain) 
Propulsion
Mucosal destruction
Loos fluid 
Malabsorption

Question 7

Definition of constipation

Answer 7

Infrequent production of hard stools requiring a straining to pass or a sense of incomplete evacuation

Question 8

Causes of constipation

Answer 8

Ignoring or suppressing the urge to defecate
Decreased colonic motility
Lack of exercise

Question 9

Management of constipation

Answer 9

Laxatives

Purgatives

Question 10

Laxatives - constipation

Answer 10

Result in the passage of soft but formed stools

Question 11

Purgatives - constipation

Answer 11

Result in fluid evacuation (complete diarrhoea)

Question 12

Acute diarrhoea time frame

Answer 12

Lasts less than 14 days