C9- Elimination GI System

Question 1

Small intestine stools consistency

Answer 1

Loose/watery stools

Question 2

Large intestine stools consistency

Answer 2

Formed stools
The longer it sits in large intestine- the more formed it is

Question 3

Valsalva Maneuver definition

Answer 3

Bearing down to defecate

Question 4

Bearing down to defecate results in

Answer 4

Temporarily lowering cardiac output

Once bearing down ceases, pressure is lessened and
more than normal amount of blood returns to heart resulting in
slow HR and syncope

Question 5

Factors affecting bowel elimination

Answer 5

Food and fluid intake
Activity and muscle tone
Lifestyle
Psychological variables
Pathological conditions

Question 6

Subjective nursing assessment

Answer 6

Usual bowel elimination pattern
Any elimination aids used
Recent changes in bowel patterns

Question 7

Objective nursing assessment

Answer 7

Abdominal assessment (order)
1) inspection
2) auscultation
-use warmed stethoscope
-4 quadrants (1 min per quadrant)
3) Percussion
-normal= tympanic
4) Palpation (light)
Peri-rectal area
-rectum and anus
-skin and mucous membranes
-hemorrhoids
Pain
-use pain scale

Question 8

Common test for bowel assessment

Answer 8

CBC (complete blood count)
wbc elevated = bowel rupture
Guaiac or hemocult
blood in stool?
test blue= blood
Stool for O&P (ova and parasites)
sample
X-ray (NPO after midnight)
upper gi
lower gi
MRI and CT scans
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
-clear liquids 24-48 hours prior
- bowel prep
-GoLytely

Question 9

Common nursing diagnosis for bowl elimination

Answer 9

Constipation
Risk for constipation
Diarrhea
Deficient fluid volume
Dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility

Question 10

Promoting regular bowel habits (nursing interventions)

Answer 10

Timing
-same time (after meal)
Positioning
-elevate HOB w/ bedpan
Privacy
Nutrition
Exercise

Question 11

Gastrocolic reflex

Answer 11

Natural reflex that signals your colon to empty food once food gets into your stomach

Question 12

Constipation

Answer 12

Passage of dry, hard stools

Slow transit time in colon
increased fluid absorption
May experience pain or discomfort
strain

Question 13

Who is at risk for constipation?

Answer 13

Patients:
On bedrest
especially if taking constipating medications (opioids)
W/ Low fluid or fiber intake
who are depressed
CNS disease or pain in local area

Question 14

Treatment of constipation (interventions)

Answer 14

Teach nutrition
Teach and plan exercises
Respond to the urge
Research shows
Teach about laxatives

Question 15

Teach (nutrition)

Answer 15

High fiber foods
Fluid intake
8-10 glasses of fluid a day
fresh water necessary

Question 16

Teach/Plan (Exercise)

Answer 16

Assist client with identifying realistic routine
movement increases peristalsis

Question 17

Research shows:

Answer 17

Nutrition, fluids and exercise are effective as medications in controlling constipation

Question 18

Bulk forming laxives

Answer 18

Magnesium sulfate
Psyllium (Metamucil)

Question 19

Stool softeners:

Answer 19

For someone needing to avoid strain

Docusate sodium (colace)
Mineral oil

Question 20

Stimulates peristalsis (laxatives)

Answer 20

Disacodyl (duolax)
Senna
Castor oil

Question 21

Habitual use of laxatives is a common cause of ________________

Answer 21

CONSTIPATION

Question 22

Diarrhea categorized by:

Answer 22

> 3 loose stools a day
-intestinal craps
-loss of fluid and electrolytes

Question 23

Rehydration

Answer 23

Oral if possible
IV if necessary

Question 24

Probiotics

Answer 24

Replace healthy intestinal flora

Question 25

Chronic diarrhea

Answer 25

> 3-4 weeks
-need evaluation of underlying cause
-antidiarrheal meds

Question 26

Bowel diversions

Answer 26

Sigmoid colostomy
Descending colostomy
Transverse colostomy
Ascending colostomy
Ileostomy

Question 27

Ileostomy

Answer 27

Loose stools

Question 28

Closer to rectum that stoma is

Answer 28

More formed the BM