Bowel Elimination Flashcards
What factors influence bowel elimination?
- age
- daily patterns
- Diet & fluid intake
- activity & exercise
- medications
- psychological factors (stress)
- surgery & anesthesia
- diagnostic tests
- diagnosis
Types of direct visualization study:
Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, Wireless Capsule
Types of indirect visualization study:
Barium Enema, Barium Swallow, CT, Ultrasound
Stool culture & sensitivity:
Formed stool - needs 1 inch
liquid stool - need 15mL - 30mL
Constipation
dry hard stool. Difficult to pass
Impaction
solid, immovable stool. can be up higher in the GI system, not just in rectum
Diarrhea
body does not have enough time to absorb nutrients and form a stool
Flatulence
gas
Hemorrhoids
can be external or internal
Small Bowel Obstructions
no peristalsis
Treatment of constipation with laxatives:
Bulk Forming (Metamucil) - a powder that dissolves in liquid. puts pressure on the intestines to induce peristalsis
Stool Softeners (Colace) - helps draw more fluid to stool
Lubricant (Mineral Oil) - lubricates bowels
Stimulant (Dulcolax) & Saline Osmotic (milk of magnesia) - chemical irritant to bowels
Enemas:
Tap Water: 500 – 1000mL, Distends intestine increases peristalsis, softens stools
Soap Suds: 500 – 1000mL Distends intestine, irritates
intestinal mucosa softens
stools
Fleets Hypertonic: (OTC) 70-130 mL Distends intestine, irritates intestinal mucosa
3 key points related to enemas:
- Left side-lying position
- Lubrication of tube
- Assess for possible bowel perforation post
enema
Two causes of bowel perforation:
fecal impaction and enemas
Signs & symptoms related to bowel perforations:
Acute abdominal pain
Rectal pain and
bleeding
Back pain
Fever
Treatment of diarrhea:
**ALWAYS GET A STOOL SAMPLE TO RULE OUT C-DIFF
Medications to decrease GI motility:
- Atropine, Imodium, Paregoric, Lomotil
- ABSORBENTS (Kaopectate) absorb excess fluid
- ANTIMICROBIAL (Pepto-Bismol)
Treatment of fecal incontinence:
Bowel Training Programs - have pt be on a toileting schedule
Rectal Tubes
Bowel diversions:
Colonoscopy: expect formed stools
Ileostomy: expect liquid stools
Foods that cause gas:
**avoid with ostomy
alcohol, carbonated drinks
Foods that cause stoma blockage:
cabbage, nuts, seeds
Food that causes oder (for ostomy):
fish, eggs, asparagus
Foods that are natural deodorizers:
yogurt
Colorectal cancer warning signs:
- Usually no warning signs
- Changes in Bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Constant need to evacuate bowels
- ribbon-like stool
Risk factors of colorectal cancer:
Smoking
Genetics
Diets high in red meats
