A nurse is gathering information from a patient who has been experiencing diarrhea for several days.
What symptoms should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:

Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is not typically a symptom of diarrhea. While it’s possible for a person with severe diarrhea to experience chills or feel cold, hypothermia is not a direct result of diarrhea.

Choice B rationale:

A rigid abdomen is often a sign of a serious condition like peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen), but it is not typically associated with diarrhea.

Choice C rationale:

Dehydration is a common complication of diarrhea. When a person has diarrhea, they can lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes quickly, leading to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased bowel sounds are not typically associated with diarrhea. In fact, bowel sounds may actually increase in some cases of diarrhea due to increased gut motility.

Choice A rationale:

The statement “I do my wheelchair exercises sitting in my chair” is correct. Wheelchair exercises are designed to be performed while seated in a wheelchair. They help to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, which is crucial for individuals with paralysis.

Choice B rationale:

The statement “I use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement” is also correct. Individuals with paralysis often have difficulty with bowel movements due to lack of muscle control. Using a suppository can stimulate the rectum and induce a bowel movement. Choice C rationale:

The statement “I need to catheterize myself twice a day” indicates a need for further teaching. Individuals with paralysis from the waist down following a spinal cord injury typically need to perform intermittent self-catheterization every 4-6 hours, not just twice a day. This helps to prevent urinary tract infections and bladder overdistension.

Choice D rationale:

The statement “I carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water” is correct. Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health and can help to prevent urinary tract infections, which are common in individuals who self-catheterize.