The following 5 nursing diagnoses are considered primary concerns related to the nursing care associated with Crohn's disease:
1. Diarrhea
2. Risk for deficient fluid volume
3. Anxiety
4. Acute pain
5. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
Since diarrhea can be the core component to many of these other common issues, the following information below will comprise a complete nursing care plan focused solely on diarrhea.
Problem: Diarrhea
Related to: Inflammation, irritation, or malabsorption in the intestines or the presence of toxins
As evidenced by:
- Increase in bowel sounds and/or peristalsis
- Hyperactive bowel sounds (i.e. more than 30 "gurgles" in one minute)
- Frequent, watery stools - may be severe - potentially with color changes
- Abdominal pain/cramping with a potential risk for urgency to defecate
Goal/s:
- Patient will report a reduction in the frequency of loose stools
- Contributing factors will be identified and addressed
Nursing interventions:
- Assess & record frequency, characteristics, amount, and precipitating factors of loose stools
- Promote bedrest & provide a bedside commode
- Remove foods known to precipitate flare-ups from the diet (i.e. veggies/fruits, whole-grain cereals, condiments, carbonated drinks, milk & milk products)
Rationale for interventions:
- Will allow team to assess whether goal of reducing frequency of loose stools is being met
- Rest will reduce intestinal movement - urge to defecate may come without warning, increasing risk for falls if individual attempts to get all the way to the bathroom
- Reduces intestinal irritation, promoting rest and reducing the gut's workload
References:
Vera, M. (2013, July 15). 7 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) nursing care plans. Retrieved May 25, 2015, from http://nurseslabs.com/7-inflammatory-bowel-disease-nursing-care-plans/