Chapter 27 Bowel needs Flashcards
Colostomy
A surgically created opening between the colon and the body’s surface
Constipation
The passage of a hard, dry stool
Defecation
The process of excreting feces from the rectum through the anus, BM
Dehydration
A decrease in the amount of water in the body
Diarrhea
The frequent passage of liquid stools
Enema
The introduction of fluid into the rectum and lower colon
Fecal impaction
The prolonged retention and buildup of feces in the rectum
Fecal incontinence
The inability to control the passage of feces and flatus through the anus
Feces
The semi-solid mass of waste products in the colon that is expelled through the anus, stool
Flatulence
The excessive formation of gas or air in the stomach and intestines
Flatus
Gas or air passed through the anus
Ileostomy
A surgically created opening between the ileum and body’s surface
Melena
A black, tarry stool
Ostomy
A surgically created opening that connects an internal organ to the body’s surface
Suppository
A cone-shaped, solid drug that is inserted into a body opening, it melts at body temp.
Observe stools, report and record:
- color
- amount
- the presence of mucus
- signs of bleeding
- odor
- shape and consistency
- the time the person had BM
- number and frequency of BMs
- complains and discomfort
Factors affecting BM
- privacy
- habits
- diet - high fiber foods
- diet - other foods
- fluids
- activity
- drugs
- disability
- aging
Common problems with BM
- constipation
- fecal impaction
- diarrhea
- fecal incontinence
- flatulence
Common causes of constipation:
- low-fiber diet
- ignoring the urge to have a BM
- decreased fluid intake
- inactivity
- drugs
- aging
- certain diseases
Causes of fecal incontinence
- intestinal diseases
- nervous system diseases and injuries
- fecal impaction
- some drugs
- chronic illness
- aging
- mental health disorders or dementia
- unanswered call lights
- not getting to the bathroom on time
- problems removing clothes
- not finding the bathroom
Signs and symptoms of fecal impaction
- trying many times to have a BM
- abdominal distention
- nausea
- cramping
- rectal pain
- poor appetite
- confusion
- fever
Causes of flatulence
- swallowing air while eating and drinking
- bacterial action in the intestines
- gas-forming foods
- constipation
- certain digestive disorders
- bowel and abdominal surgeries
- drugs that decrease peristalsis
What helps expell flatus
- exercise
- walking
- moving in bed
- left side-lying position
Enemas are ordered to:
- remove feces
- relieve constipation, fecal impaction, or flatulence
- clean the bowel of feces before certain surgeries
Tap water enema
is obtained from a faucet
Saline enema
a solution of salt and water
1-2 tsp of table salt are added to 500-1000 mL of tap water
Soapsuds enema SSE
for adults, 3-5 mL of castile soap is added to 500-1000 mL of tap water
Small-volume enema
the enema solution is in a bottle and ready to give
Oil-retention enema
contains oil to soften feces and lubricate the rectum
Ileostomy what type of stool?
liquid stool because water is not absorbed cause the colon was removed
Ostomy pouches are changed every
every 2 - 7 days and when it leaks
