Management of Diarrhea: Non-Prescription Drugs and Parapharmaceuticals

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What is the most severe threat posed by diarrhea?

Flatulence
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Weakness
Dehydration (correct)

In infants, what increases the likelihood that severe dehydration will develop?

Fever and vomiting (correct)
Abdominal cramps
Reduced food intake
Flatulence
Increased milk feeds

What symptom is an indication for referral when present in stools?

Weakness
Abdominal cramps
Flatulence
Mucus (correct)
Nausea

Why should the pharmacist question the patient about whether other family members or friends are suffering from the same symptoms?

To identify a potential infection source (E) Signup and view all the answers

What can predispose to dehydration during an episode of diarrhea?

Reduced fluid intake (E) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom may be associated with acute diarrhea infection besides watery stools?

Fever (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about diarrhea is true?

It is associated with perianal discomfort, urgency, and incontinence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs can cause diarrhea?

Antineoplastics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when managing diarrhea in infants?

Infants with diarrhea lasting longer than 1 day should be referred to a doctor. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a cause of diarrhea in the text?

Viral infections (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about acute diarrhea is true?

Most cases of diarrhea will be acute and self-limiting. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is at a higher risk of dehydration due to diarrhea?

The very young and the very old (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a causal organism for diarrhea mentioned in the text?

Salmonella (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of diarrhea caused by the organisms mentioned in the text?

From hours to weeks (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended as a treatment for diarrhea caused by the organisms mentioned in the text?

Anti-diarrheal medications (D) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea are due to Clostridium difficile?

25% (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Clostridium difficile is NOT true according to the text?

It is the sole cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications of Clostridium difficile infection is NOT mentioned in the text?

Kidney failure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for referring diarrhea in children under 1 year of age?

Greater than 1 day (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods should be avoided during bouts of diarrhea?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for referral in cases of diarrhea?

Diarrhea lasting less than 1 day in children under 1 year (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first line of treatment for acute diarrhea?

Oral rehydration therapy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following beverages should be avoided during diarrhea episodes?

Caffeine-containing beverages (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment approach for severe dehydration due to diarrhea?

Immediate hospital admission for urgent fluid and electrolyte replacement (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of loperamide?

Reducing propulsive peristalsis and increasing intestinal transit time by binding to opiate receptors in the gut wall (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does loperamide have minimal or no euphoric or analgesic effects?

Loperamide is poorly absorbed systemically and has limited penetration into the central nervous system (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended management strategy for infectious diarrhea, in addition to loperamide?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of adsorbents, such as pectin and kaolin, in the treatment of diarrhea?

Physically adsorbing water, bacteria, and toxins in the gut (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are adsorbents, such as pectin and kaolin, not recommended for use in children under 12 years old?

They are not absorbed systemically and therefore produce few adverse effects (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the conclusion from the systematic review on the use of probiotics in the treatment of infectious diarrhea?

More research is needed before recommendations can be made to guide the use of probiotics in the treatment of infectious diarrhea (D) Signup and view all the answers