Elimination (Fecal) Flashcards
excreted waste products are referred to as
Feces or stool
_____extends from the ileocecal (ileocolic) valve, which lies between the small and large intestines, to the anus.
Large Intestine
colon (large intestine) in the adult is generally about ______ cm long
125 to 150 cm
The colon’s main functions are:
- absorption of water and nutrients,
- the mucoid protection of the intestinal wall
- fecal elimination.
The waste products leaving the stom- ach through the small intestine and then passing through the ileocecal valve are called______
Chyme
The _____ regulates the flow of chyme into the large intestine and prevents backflow into the ileum.
ileocecal valve
As much as ______mL of chyme passes into the large intestine daily, and all but about ____ mL is reabsorbed in the proximal half of the colon.
1500 mL; 100mL
_____ serves to protect the wall of the large intestine from trauma by the acids formed in the feces, and adherent for holding the fecal material together.
Mucus
______is largely air and the by-products of the digestion of carbo- hydrates.
Flatus
_____ wavelike movement produced by the circular and longitudinal muscle fibers of the intestinal walls; it propels the intestinal contents forward.
Peristalsis
The rectum in the adult is usually _____ cm long
10-15 cm
The anal canal, which is the distal portion is ______ cm long
2.5 to 5cm
______ has folds that extend vertically. Each of the vertical folds contains a vein and an artery.
Rectum
What helps retain the feces within the rectum?
vertical folds that contains a vein and an artery.
When the veins become distended, as can occur with repeated pressure, a condition known as _____
hemorrhoids
The _____ sphincter is under involuntary control; innervated by the autonomic nervous system
Internal sphincter
The ____ sphincter normally is voluntary controlled; innervated by the somatic nervous system.
external sphincter
______is the expulsion of feces from the anus and rectum. It is also called a bowel movement.
Defecation
Repeated inhibition of the urge to defecate can result in ________ to accommodate accumulated feces and eventual loss of sensitivity to the need to defecate.
expansion of the rectum
If the defecation reflex is ignored, ______ can be the ultimate result
Constipation
Normal feces are made of about _____ and _____
75% water and 25% solid materials
Feces are normally brown, chiefly due to the presence of ______ and ______
stercobilin and urobilin
Bacteria which are normally present in the large intestine
Escherichia coli or staphylococci
_____ is the first fecal material passed by the newborn, normally up to 24 hours after birth.
Meconium
_____ promotes the movement of material through the digestive system and increases stool bulk.
Ex. whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, and many vegetables.
Insoluble fiber
______ dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
Ex. oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, and psyllium
Soluble fiber
_____ foods, such as rice, eggs, and lean meats, move more slowly through the intestinal tract.
Low residue foods
Gas-producing foods:
cabbage, onions, cauliflower, bananas, and apples
Laxative-producing foods:
bran, prunes, figs, chocolate, and alcohol
Constipation-producing foods:
cheese, pasta, eggs, and lean meat
________ fluid intake slows the chyme’s passage along the intestines, further increasing the reabsorption of fluid from the chyme.
Reduced fluid intake
Healthy fecal elimination usually requires a daily fluid intake of ______
2000 to 3000 mL
What psychologic factors that increases the peristaltic activity and subsequent nausea or diarrhea?
Being anxious or angry
What psychologic factor that slows down the intestinal motility, resulting in constipation?
Individuals who are depressed
Many individuals defecate after breakfast due to the ______ reflex; increased peristalsis of the colon after food has entered the stomach
gastrocolic reflex
Medication that causes diarrhea:
Tranquilizers
Medication that causes constipation:
Opioids
______ are medications that stimulate bowel activity and so assist fecal elimination.
Laxatives
Any drug that causes gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., aspirin products) can cause the stool to be ______ or _____
Red or black
Iron salts lead to ______ stool because of the oxidation of the iron;
Black stool
Medication such as _______ may cause a gray-green discoloration
Antibiotics
Medication such as ________ can cause a whitish discoloration or white specks in the stool
Antacids
_________ cause the normal colonic movements to cease or slow by blocking parasympathetic stimulation to the muscles of the colon.
General anesthetics
Surgery that involves direct handling of the intestines can cause temporary stoppage of intestinal movement. This condition, called______, usually lasts 24-48 hrs
ileus
______ may be defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week. This infers the passage of dry, hard stool or the passage of no stool.
Constipation
_______associated with constipation is often accompanied by holding the breath.
Straining
______ can present serious problems to people with heart disease, brain injuries, or respiratory disease. Holding the breath while bearing down increases intra- thoracic pressure and vagal tone, slowing the pulse rate.
Valsalva maneuver
______ is a mass or collection of hardened feces in the folds of the rectum. It results from prolonged retention and accumulation of fecal material.
Fecal Impaction
_____ or _____ are usually given to ensure removal of the barium from the radiologic examination of the GI tracts.
laxatives or enemas
Impaction can also be assessed by _____ examination of the rectum, during which the hardened mass can often be palpated.
digital examination