Chronic Diarrhea Management Quiz

Diagnosis and Exam Techniques

• History and physical examination focused on abdominal and perineal regions essential for diagnosis.

Prevention Strategies

• Emphasize good hand hygiene and proper food handling to reduce infection risks.

Chronic Diarrhea

• Defined as passing three or more stools daily for over 14 days.
• Symptoms include abdominal distention, weight loss, dehydration, and perineal irritation.
• Diagnosis through stool culture and occult blood tests.
• Preventive measures include hygiene, proper food handling, and limiting exposure.
• Therapeutic approach focuses on hydration and addressing underlying causes.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

• More prevalent in Native American males; may be unilateral or bilateral.
• Diagnosis through oral examination.
• Management includes nutritional support, special feeding tools, bonding promotion, surgical repair, and various consults.
• Surgical interventions typically occur by three months for the lip and by eighteen months for the palate.

Hirschsprung’s Disease

• Characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the colon.
• Symptoms: failure to pass meconium, chronic constipation, abdominal obstruction, and diarrhea.
• Diagnosis through intestinal biopsy and imaging studies.
• Treatment includes NG tube placement, IV fluids, and surgery.

Pyloric Stenosis

• Defined by obstruction at the gastric outlet due to pyloric sphincter constriction.
• Symptoms include projectile vomiting and dehydration.
• Diagnosis via ultrasound and abdominal x-ray.
• The surgical procedure involves pyloromyotomy with post-op care focusing on hydration and monitoring.

Intussusception

• Occurs when one bowel section slides into another, resembling a telescope.
• Symptoms: acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and "currant jelly" stools.
• Diagnosed through symptom history and imaging.
• Treatment involves monitoring for complications and potential surgical intervention.

Failure to Thrive

• Defined as not meeting age-appropriate weight gain, typically below the 5th percentile.
• Symptoms include abdominal distention and evidence of neglect.
• Diagnosis involves growth tracking and laboratory evaluations.
• Prevention focuses on prenatal and postnatal education.

Appendicitis

• Inflammation of the appendix leading to potential rupture.
• Symptoms include right lower quadrant pain and fever.
• Diagnosed through imaging and WBC count.
• Treatment often requires an appendectomy and post-operative care.

Anorectal Malformations

• Include conditions like rectal atresia and imperforate anus.
• Diagnosis through physical examination and imaging.
• Management may involve surgical repair and post-operative care.

Celiac Disease

• Characterized by malabsorption and various gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Diagnosis via symptoms and serological testing.
• Therapeutic focus on dietary management to alleviate symptoms.

Nephrotic Syndrome

• Most common in children; characterized by proteinuria and edema.
• Diagnosis includes urinalysis revealing protein.
• Treatment involves managing fluids and administering high-dose steroids.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

• Can arise from pre-renal, intra-renal, or post-renal causes.
• Symptoms include tachycardia, hypovolemia, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Diagnosis requires identifying the underlying cause.
• Prevention focuses on early treatment and identification.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• Risk increases beyond age 2, especially in African American populations.
• Symptoms include bedwetting and failure to thrive; often related to hypertension and diabetes.
• Diagnosis is through urinalysis and laboratory tests; education on growth monitoring is necessary.

Dialysis Treatments

• Peritoneal Dialysis: Utilizes the peritoneum to filter blood, can be done at home, but risks include peritonitis.
• Hemodialysis: Requires vascular access and is performed in clinical settings; complications include infection and hypotension.

Enuresis

• Involuntary urine release in previously trained individuals, often related to stress.
• Treatment options include DDAVP and bladder training techniques.

Hypospadias and Epispadias

• Congenital conditions affecting urethral openings; treatment may involve surgical correction.
• Education emphasizes UTI monitoring and post-operative care.

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

• Leads to reduced cranial perfusion and can be life-threatening.
• Symptoms vary by age; infants may show irritability and vomiting, while children may complain of headaches and experience seizures.
• Management involves careful monitoring of vitals and LOC, positioning, and medication for edema.

Seizures

• Neurological disturbances can result from various causes including febrile episodes in children.
• Diagnosis is through neuro assessments and imaging.
• Treatment focuses on seizure control and safety measures during episodes.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Results from direct head trauma; symptoms can include altered LOC and seizures.
• Diagnosis through imaging; treatment priorities on airway management and monitoring.

Abusive Brain Trauma

• Often linked to shaken baby syndrome, characterized by internal injury without external signs.
• Diagnosis through imaging and fundoscopic exams.

Long-term Conditions in Pediatrics

• Chronic conditions can lead to developmental delays and require tailored care approaches based on age and developmental stage, focusing on medical, psychological, and social support.

Test your knowledge on the management of chronic diarrhea, including preventive measures, therapeutic options, and practical examinations. This quiz covers important aspects such as abdominal examination, hygiene practices, and fluid monitoring. Enhance your understanding of the clinical approach to this common condition.