Approach to Management of Infectious Diarrhea

• Assess dehydration, note the general appearance and alertness of the patient, the pulse, the blood pressure, the presence or absence of postural hypotension, the mucous membranes and tears, sunken eyes, skin turgor, capillary refill, and jugular venous pressure.

• Rehydration is usually possible with oral rehydration solution:

• 3.5 g of sodium chloride

• 2.5 g of sodium bicarbonate

• 1.5 g of potassium chloride

• 20 g of glucose or glucose polymer (such as sucrose)

• 1 liter of water *

• Alternatively:

• 1 Level teaspoon salt

• 8 Level teaspoons Sugar

• 1 liter water**

• *Provides a solution with 90 mM sodium, 20mM potassium, 80 mM chloride, 30 mM bicarbonate, and 111 mM glucose.)

• **Provides 86 mM sodium to which one cup of orange juice or two bananas can be added for potassium.