Diarrhea A to Z: America to Zimbabwe.
OBJECTIVE
To review international statistics on the morbidity and mortality of diarrhea, pathophysiology, global incidence, and implications for the clinical practice of nurse practitioners (NPs).


METHODS
Selective review of literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of ever-increasing international travel, immigration, and rising awareness of global health issues, NPs must be current on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diarrhea.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased awareness of diarrhea as a significant international health issue mandates that NPs counsel clients who travel to high-risk areas about preventive measures to avoid exposure or manage symptoms while traveling. Guidelines for evidence-based treatments of diarrheal illness are widely available and should be followed.
Spies
Lori A
LA
Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Baylor University, 3700 Worth Street, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. Lori_Spies@Baylor.edu
D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners