Bowel Elimination

Question 1

order of abdominal assessment

Answer 1

inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate

Question 2

pt on laxatives.

Answer 2

• electrolytes decr
• K is lost via v/d, diuretics
• Na regulate fluid volume, minimal loss through sweat and feces
• limit use
• pt thinks they’re constipated bc they dont have BM qd
• incr fluid to incr BM (6-8 glasses)
• abdominal pain? stop use.
• bulk forming laxative + 240 ml fluid

Question 3

constipated pt. nurse assesses:

Answer 3

• fluid intake
• diet
• how often they eat
• exercise regimen
• pain meds? (opioid)

Question 4

ng tube pt was put on tablets. WYD?

Answer 4

• can it crush be crushed?
• dissolvable in water?
• liquid form of med available?
• flush tube when done (dr will tell you how much mL to flush)
• document intake

Question 5

check placement of ng tube

Answer 5

• CXR
• instill 5-15 mL air into stomach
• test pH (<4…>6? call dr)
• numbers on ng tube

Question 6

bowel patterns. nurse asks:

Answer 6

• frequency of BMs
• when during day pt gets BMs
• what routines help w BM

Question 7

bowel sounds (4 types)

Answer 7

• absent: NO sounds; listen to each quadrant for 5 min each, occurs after abdominal surgery (walk pt so they can poop)
• hypoactive: < normal (decr peristalsis –> constipation?)
• normal: 5-15 gurgles/min
• hyperactive: > normal (hyperperistalsis –> bowel obstruction? diarrhea?)

Question 8

no BM in 3 days. nurse asks:

Answer 8

• what’s pt’s normal?

- are there bowel sounds?

Question 9

false positive on occult blood test (meds)

Answer 9

NSAIDs
salicylates
iron
anticoagulants
colchicines
oxidizing drugs (iodine salts, boric acid)
corticosteroids

Question 10

diet of diarrhea pt

Answer 10

• BRAT diet (bananas, white rice, apple sauce, toast)
• starchy foods, cheese, and creamy peanut butter
• decr fiber in diet
• limit fats, alcohol caffeine
• avoid spicy foods and greasy foods
• clear, liquid diet
• diarrhea is response to antibiotics? plain yogurt and probiotics

Treas 958, 1023, 1030