Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Successful Certification

The diagnosis of common diarrhea is supported by the symptoms of liquid stools and a decrease in appetite. Diarrhea typically presents with an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and the consistency of stools being watery or liquid. The decreased appetite is often correlated with gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, as the body may react to the presence of an illness or infections, often leading to reduced food intake.

In the context of this scenario, it is important to differentiate between various gastrointestinal issues. Regular constipation, for example, would involve hard, infrequent stools rather than liquid ones, which doesn't match the symptom profile described. Fecal impaction involves a blockage of the intestines with hard stool, leading to more severe complications, and is also inconsistent with liquid stool presentation. A stomach virus is a possibility; however, while it can cause diarrhea, the term "common diarrhea" more accurately reflects the general condition being identified here based on the symptoms given.

Thus, recognizing the characteristics of diarrhea and its common presentation allows you to conclude that the patient's symptoms indeed align with the diagnosis of common diarrhea.