The nurse is instructing a patient who is experiencing diarrhea associated with a microorganism not to use an antidiarrheal medication. The patient asks, "Why can't I take something to stop the diarrhea?" How should the nurse respond to this patient?
1. "Antidiarrheal medication slows down the elimination of the microorganism causing the diarrhea."
2. "Antibiotics are always used to treat the microorganisms but antibiotics may worsen diarrhea."
3. "The potassium you are taking will help to slow down the diarrhea."
4. "Your physician does not like to use antidiarrheal medications."
Correct Answer: 1
Antidiarrheal medications can prolong the discomfort by slowing the elimination of the bacteria from the bowel. Antibiotics may be given but the antibiotics alter the normal flora of the bowel and may worsen diarrhea. Potassium is given to achieve electrolyte balance.
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