Diarrhea

This chapter explores the case of David, an 11-month-old infant, who is presented to the primary care office with complaints of watery diarrhea for 1 day. He has had at least 10 diapers with diarrhea since yesterday. David's mother is unsure of his urine output because each diaper is so full of stool. She is concerned that one of these factors may have caused or contributed to David's diarrhea. Further review of systems reveals that David has had decreased solid food and soy formula intake since yesterday and that he has been sleeping more than usual. The chapter provides essential guidance and information for understanding how to diagnose and manage this case. This includes differential diagnosis and a series of critical thinking questions ideal for the family nurse practitioner.