ch47: bowel elimination Flashcards
what do alterations in elimination be a warning for?
early warning symptom of problems in GI tract/other organ systems
what is the primary organ for bowel elimination?
large intestine
where does defecation begin?
colon
when does control of defecation start?
2-3 years
what effects digestion in elderly patients
decreased chewing ability
decreased peristalsis
slowed esophageal emptying
weakened muscle tone + sphincter
what is the correlation between physical activity and digestion?
it promotes peristalsis
what is the correct/natural position for defecation?
squatting = normal position
how to position immobile patients for defecation?
raise head of the bed = sitting position on bedpan
what are factors of pregnancy that affect digestion?
- size of fetus increases = pressure exerted on rectum
- temporary obstruction (the fetus) = impairs passage of feces
- slowing of peristalsis (3rd trimester) = constipation
- hemorrhoids from straining during defecation/delivery
what is an ileus?
surgery that involves direct manipulation of the bowel temporarily stops peristalsis (24-48 hours)
what medications are known to cause constipation?
analgesics
what can a patient experience after procedure?
loose stools or gas
what are some common bowel elimination problems?
- constipation
- impaction
- diarrhea
- incontinence
- flatulence
- hemorrhoids
what is flatulence?
accumulation of gas in the intestines causing the walls to stretch
what are signs of dehydration in adults?
- thirst
- decreased urination and dark colored urine
- dry skin + mucus membranes
- fatigue, dizziness, light headed
what is an ostomy?
operation to create an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to outside
what would stool look like in an ascending colostomy (cecostomy)?
liquid, less formed, frequent stool
what would stool look like in a transverse colostomy?
thicker liquid, soft stool
what would stool look like in a sigmoid colostomy
formed, normal stool
what would stool look like in an ileostomy?
liquid stool
what is the difference between a colostomy vs ileostomy?
colostomy: large intestine/colon
ileostomy: small intestine
if stool has minimal odor, would it most likely be from an ileostomy or colostomy?
ileostomy = fewer bacteria