Exam 2: Chapter 47 - Constipation

Question 1

Constipation is defined as

Answer 1

fewer than three bowel movements weekly, or bowel movements that are hard, dry, small, or difficult to pass

Question 2

Constipation is the

Answer 2

abnormal infrequency or irregularity of defecation; any variation from normal habits may be a problem

Question 3

Constipition can be caused by

Answer 3

Certain Medications (Chronic Laxative Use) Weakness, Immobility, Debilitity, Fatigue, to facilitate the passage of stools May not be able to defecate or ignore the urge to defecate

Question 4

Constipation and Fiber?

Answer 4

Constipation may be result of low consumption of fiber. Fiber important to bowel health because it increases the bulk of stool

Question 5

Constipation is thought to include intereference of what three major functions of the colon?

Answer 5

Mucosal Transport

Myoelectric Activity

Process of Defecation

Question 6

What are the three classes of constipation

Answer 6

Functional Constipation; Involves normal transit mechanisms of mucosal transport. Most common and can be treated by increasing intake of fiber and fludis

Slow-Transit Constipation ; caused by inherent disorders of the motor function of the colon and is characterized by infrequent bowel movements

Defecatory Disorders; Caused by dysfunctional motor coordination between the pelvic floor and anal sphincter.

Question 7

What is Perceived Constipation

Answer 7

A subjective problem in which the patients elimination pattern is not consistent with what he or she believes is normal

Question 8

Clinical Manifesation of Constipation

Answer 8

<3 BMs , Abdominal Distention, Pain and Bloating, Sensation of Incomplete Evacuation, Straining at Stool, Elimination of Small-Volume, Lumpy, Hard, Stools

Question 9

What are some Diagnostic test that can be performed?

Answer 9

Barium Enema or Sigmoidoscopy

Stool Testing for Occult Blood

Anorectal Manometry; (Pressure studies such as a balloon expulsion test) may be performed to assess malfunction of the sphincter

Defecography and Colonic Transit Studies; Can assist in diagnosis because they permit assessment of active anorectal functional

Question 10

Why does hypotension occur

Answer 10

This occurs because cardiac output is decreased dueo to less blood being injected by the left ventricle. Leads to drop in arterial pressure and why some people faint when they poop

Question 11

Additional Complications of Constipation?

Answer 11

Increased Arterial Pressure with defecation.

Fecal Impaction which leads to fecal incontinence, Occurs when an accumulated mass of dry feces cannot be expelled.

Hemorrhoids,

Fissures,

Rectal Prolapse

Megacolon

Question 12

What are fissures?

Answer 12

Normal or abnormal folds, grooves, or cracks in body tissue

Question 13

What is a megacolon

Answer 13

Large colon when obstructed. Stool continues to build up and pouch out. High bowel sounds and liquid stool can move around the obstruction

Question 14

How does fecal impaction occur?

Answer 14

When an accumulated mass of dry feces cannot be expelled

Question 15

What dietary intake of fiber is recommended?

Answer 15

25 - 30 g / day

Question 16

Nursing Diagnoses

Answer 16

Constipation

Anxiety

Perceived Constipation

Deficient Knowledge