Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Which of the following can be a possible cause of diarrhea in tube-fed patients?

1. Excessive fiber intake

2. Unrecognized impaction

3. High protein formulas

4. Low fluid administration

The correct answer is: Unrecognized impaction

In patients receiving tube feeding, unrecognized impaction can lead to diarrhea. This occurs due to the buildup of fecal matter in the intestines, causing a blockage. When liquid from the diet can't move past the impaction, it can lead to overflow diarrhea, where liquid stool is expelled around the blockage. This scenario emphasizes the importance of monitoring bowel movements in tube-fed patients, as changes in stool consistency can signal complications related to their feeding regimen. Other factors, while they may impact a patient’s gastrointestinal health, do not directly cause diarrhea in tube-fed patients in the same way that unrecognized impaction does. Options like excessive fiber intake, high protein formulas, and low fluid administration can affect bowel habits, but they usually do not lead to overflow diarrhea resulting from an impaction.