Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Which is a common symptom of new onset diarrhea due to dietary fiber use?

1. Liquid stool passing an impaction

2. Severe abdominal cramping

3. Consistent constipation

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Liquid stool passing an impaction

In the context of dietary fiber use, the correct characterization of new onset diarrhea is often linked to the physiological impact of increased fiber intake on bowel movements. When fiber is introduced into the diet, it promotes water retention in the stool, which can lead to softer stools as the body adapts to the change. However, in some cases, particularly if fiber is introduced too rapidly or in excessive amounts, it can lead to a bowel movement experience that resembles a liquid stool passing an impaction. This phenomenon occurs because the fiber can cause bulkier stools that may not pass easily, leading to an impaction in the lower intestines. As softer, fiber-rich stool is produced, it may find its way around the impacted stool, resulting in a situation where liquid stool is passed. This can signify that the gastrointestinal system is reacting to the increased fiber, possibly leading to temporary diarrhea that isn't typical in a well-managed dietary fiber transition. The other choices, while they can be associated with gastrointestinal changes, do not accurately reflect the typical response seen specifically with new onset diarrhea related to dietary fiber use. For example, severe abdominal cramping can occur with various gastrointestinal disturbances but isn’t a common symptom specifically tied to fiber use. Consistent constipation would generally be counterintuitive