Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What serious complication can diarrhea cause that should be monitored for?

1. Dehydration

2. Constipation

3. Headache

4. Fatigue

The correct answer is: Dehydration

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. When an individual experiences frequent loose or watery stools, they lose not only water but also essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. This loss can disrupt the body's balance of fluids and salts, leading to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include dry mouth, decreased urine output, dizziness, and confusion. Monitoring for dehydration is crucial because it can escalate quickly, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, or those with pre-existing health conditions. Timely intervention, such as rehydration with fluids and electrolytes, can be necessary to prevent further health complications arising from dehydration. The other options, while they may relate to overall health, are not immediate or serious complications of diarrhea in the same way that dehydration is. Constipation occurs as a result of insufficient fluid intake, whereas headache and fatigue can be symptoms of various other conditions or may arise from dehydration, but they do not directly represent complications that should be monitored specifically in the context of diarrhea.