Core Questions

Define diarrhea. Outline the pathophysiologic processes that result in diarrhea. List 10 infectious causes of diarrhea. - Box 28.1 List 10 non-infectious causes of diarrhea. - Box 28.2 Outline 5 important aspects of a patient’s history to elucidate in cases of diarrhea. Detail an approach to laboratory testing in the patient with diarrhea. When are empiric antibiotics indicated for the treatment of diarrheal illnesses?

Wisecracks

What antibiotics are most commonly implicated with precipitating C.difficile diarrhea? What factors increase the probability of non-benign diarrheal illness? Outline the constituent ingredients contained within the World Health Organization’s rehydration formula. What is the BRAT diet and why is it recommended in patients with acute diarrheal illnesses?