Symptom: Stool, Changes in (color, buoyancy, etc)

Initial Grading Reminder

No grade

Assessment and Grading

Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)

Ask the patient:

Have you had changes in your stool previously? Are your stools floating? Are they light colored? Is this a new or worsening symptom? When did it start or get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly?

Grade the symptom

No grading necessary

Patient Query Regarding Other Symptoms/Red Flags

Ask the patient:

Do your bowel movements smell differently than usual and/or have an oily consistency? Do you have diarrhea? Do you have nausea, dizziness, weight loss, abdominal (belly) pain, or fever?

These sign/symptoms are consistent with floating stools and GI toxicity.

Do you have any other changes in your bowel movements? Do you have any yellowing of the skin, severe abdominal (belly) pain, sleepiness, or is your thinking foggy?

This set of conditions in consistent with light-colored stools and hepatitis.

Patient Factors to Consider That Affect the Approach to Intervention

Consider the following in individualizing the intervention: Is the patient a good or poor historian? Any language barriers or cognitive deficits? Is the patient reliable (able to carry out treatment recommendations)? Does this patient have alcohol/substance abuse issues? Does the patient have transportation? Is there sufficient caregiver support?