Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

A disorder that causes frequent liquid feces and is generally treated with a change of diet is?

1. Diarrhea

2. Constipation

3. Peptic ulcers

4. Hepatitis

The correct answer is: Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by the frequent passage of liquid or semi-liquid feces, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, food intolerances, or changes in diet. The condition often necessitates dietary adjustments to help manage symptoms and restore normal bowel function. For example, increasing fiber intake or introducing specific food items can support recovery and improve stool consistency. In many cases, hydration is also crucial, as diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss. The other options refer to different health issues: constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements typically characterized by hard stools, peptic ulcers are open sores on the stomach lining often requiring medical treatment, and hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver that can cause various symptoms but does not primarily manifest as liquid feces. Understanding the distinct nature of diarrhea helps in recognizing the appropriate management strategies, particularly the importance of dietary changes.