Bowel Elimination Flashcards
abdominal distension
abnormal swelling of the abdomen
what is borborygmi
the sounds of intestinal gas moving through the intestines; the sounds of stomach rumbling
what are bowel sounds
The noises made by the intestinal smooth muscles as they squeeze fluids and food products through the digestive tract
what is cathartic
An agent that causes evacuation of the bowel (laxative)
what is the colon
the part of the large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum
what is constipation
Hard, slow stools that are difficult to eliminate; often a result of too little fiber in the diet
what is diarrhea
An abnormal, frequent discharge of fluid fecal matter from the bowel
what is distension
the act of expanding by pressure from within
what is a cleansing enema
Stimulates Peristalsis through the infusion of a large volume of solution or through local irritation of the colon’s mucosa (Include tap water, normal saline, soapsuds, and low-volume hypertonic saline enemas)
what is a hypertonic enema
DRAWS water from the body (interstitial space) into the colon ie,Fleet brand
what is a hypotonic enema
cleansing, tap water uses lower osmotic pressure than fluid in intestinal tissues
what is an isotonic enema
normal saline enema
distends colon, stimulates peristalsis, softens feces-normal saline or salt water
what is a large volume enema
750-1000 mL of lukewarm solution; 105-110 degrees fahrenheit; hang container 18-24 inches above buttocks; if client cramps, lower solution bag; make sure to raise bag; client holds solution 10-15 minutes
what is an oil retention enema
Lubricating Enema that lubricates the rectum and colon so the feces will absorb the oil and become softer and easier to pass.
what is a return flow enema
to relieve flatus. same process as large volume enema. only 300-500ml, may take 15-20 min, repeat as necessary
what is evacuation
An emptying, as of the bowels
what is fecal diversion
Ostomy that is made to drain fecal material through the abdomen instead of the anus
what is a colostomy
A surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus
what is a ileostomy
Artificial opening between ileum and abdominal wall
what is fecal impaction
a mass of dry, hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and cannot be expelled.
what is flatus
Gas expelled through the anus.
what are gastrocolic reflexs
Peristalsis becomes more active during eating (increased peristaltic activity). This precedes defecation.This is also the cramp that lets you know you have to go NOW!
what are hemorrhoids
Swollen, painful rectal veins; often a result of constipation
what is hypermotility
Excessive or abnormally increased movement, as of the GI tract
what is hypomotility
the contents of the small intestine move too slowly, allowing bacterial growth
what do laxatives do
loosens stools and promotes normal bowel evacuation
what is occult blood
hidden blood
what is paralytic ileus
Usually temporary paralysis of intestinal wall that may occur after abdominal surgery or peritoneal injury and that causes cessation of peristalsis; leads to abdominal distention and symptoms of obstruction
what is perianal
situated in or affecting the area around the anus
what is perineal
the area in front of the anus extending to the fourchette of the vulva in the female and to the scrotum in the male
what is peristalsis
Involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system.
what is a sigmoidoscopy
Looks into the lower colon
what is a spastic colon
irritable bowel syndrome
what is a sphincter
Circular ring of muscle that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening
what is steatorrhea
Excess fat in feces
what is a suppository
A medication in a semisolid form that is introduced into the rectum. It melts at body temperature, and the medication is absorbed through the surrounding tissues.
what is melena
Black, tarry stools; feces containing digested blood.
mouth function
teeth masticate food, breaking it down to swallow, and saliva is produced to dilute and soften the food for easier swallowing.
esophagus function
bolus of food travels down and is pushed along by peristalsis, which propels the food through the length of the GI tract
stomach function
stomach stores swallowed food and liquid, mixing of food, liquid and digestive juices and empties its contents into the small intestine
small intestine function
segmentation and peristaltic movement facilitate both digestion and absorption; chime mixes with the digestive juices.
large intestine function
the lower GI tract (colon) is divided into the cecum, colon and rectum. It is the primary organ of elimination
what is the amuses function
contraction and relaxation of the internal and external sphincters, innervated by sympathetic and parasympathetic stimuli, aid in control of defecation.
valsalva maneuver
at the time of defecation, the external sphincter relaxes and the abdominal muscles contract, increasing intrarectal pressure and forcing out the stool
mouth age related changes
decreased chewing and decreased salivation- including oral dryness
esophagus age related changes
reduced motility, especially in lower third
stomach age related changes
decrease in acid secretions, motor activity, mucosal thickness, nutrient absorption
small intestine age related changes
decreased nutrient absorption, fewer absorbing cells
large intestine age related changes
increase in pouches on the weakened intestinal wall called diverticulosis
liver age related changes
size decreased
how does fiber affect diet?
fiber is nondigestible residue in the diet that provides the bulk of fecal material. Good sources include whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
diseases of GI tract associated with stress
ulcerative colitis, IBS, certain gastric and duodenal ulcers and Crohn disease
conditions that may result in painful defecation
hemorrhoids
rectal surgery
rectal fistulas
abdominal surgery
effects of anesthetic agents and peristalsis on defecation
general anesthetic agents used during surgery cause temporary cessation of peristalsis; direct manipulation of bowel temporarily stops peristalsis (paralytic ileus)
what effect do opioid analgesics have on GI
slow peristalsis and segmental contractions, often resulting in constipation
what are anticholinergics
inhibit gastric acid secretion and depress GI motility
Four factors that place a patient at risk for constipation
improper diet
reduced fluid intake
lack of exercise
certain medications
What is a Stoma
artificial opening in the abdominal wall
normal fecal odor
pungent, affected by food type
normal fecal consistency
soft, formed
normal fecal colour
infants: yellow adults: brown
normal fecal amount
150g/day (adults)
factors to consider to promote normal defecation
-sitting position
-positioning on bedpan- elevated HOB
-privacy
-fluid intake
-diet
-exercise
-timing
purposes of NG intubation
decompression
-enteral feeding
-compression
-lavage
optimal amount of water to drink a day for regular bowel movements
1600-2000 oz a day
most important thing to ask clients at start of focused bowel assessment
normal bowel pattern for that client
what electrolyte are you at risk for an imbalance of when experiencing diarrhea?
potassium
what is a double barrel stoma?
a stoma with 2 openings where one drains feces & one drains mucus
