Case Study help please!

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Friends, I am a new LPN student and I am so stumped! Any help would be great. I have googled, looked in my books and I am at a stand still. Thanks!

Male, 54 years old, recently completed a 2 week course of antibiotic therapy for pneumonia. Still has a slight cough but is now experiencing severe diarrhea.

Probable cause for diarrhea?

I think its because of the antibiotics. Could it be C. diff?

What antidiarrheal agent is indicated for patient?

Ummmm, I have no idea

How does this agent work?

I can answer that when I know what it is!

Is this agent considered a drug or dietary supplement?

huh?? What antidiarrheal could maybe be a dietary supplement?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

What causes diarrhea in a patient on antibiotics....Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Causes - MayoClinic.com

What antidiarrheal agent is indicated for patient? C. difficile: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com

Google is your friend. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736

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Think of it like this antibiotics kill bacteria. You have bacteria in your gut that assist in proper digestion, if these bacteria are killed you get the squirts. Replace those little buggers with live culture yogurt. Same can also occur due to overuse of alcohol (kills bacteria - and many normal organisms), C. def (eats your normal flora - bacteria). Thing with C. def is it protects itself when exposed to alcohol so it can actually enter and survive more easily when exposed alcohol - so wash your hands with soap first.

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If the pt has c.diff, they usually do not want to give anti diarrheal. If no c diff, immodium or lomotil could work. Also, could try adding bulk with metamucil, and or adding probiotics like the above poster has mentioned as well.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

OP.....you have been given generous answers.....I like for you to look up the answers and come back with your conclusion...it helps you to develop your critical thinking skills which makes you a better nurse.

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