Exam 4: Bowel Elimination Flashcards
What growth and developmental changes occur in the elderly?
GI Activity decreases, metabolism decreases, sense of taste and smell decrease, loss of teeth, change in lifestyle, gastric secretions slowed, elimination and peristalsis decrease
what factors influence bowel elimination
diet, fluid, activity, pain
What are some nursing interventions that prevent constipation?
monitor BM, evaluate meds, high fiber diet, increase fluids, increase activity, laxatives
What are nursing interventions for diarrhea?
NPO then clear liquids, I&O, daily wts, rest, assess COCA, IV’s for dehydration
What are some nursing interventions for bowel incontinence
toilet training/schedule, establish goals, incontinence products, hygiene practices, privacy
What would a nurse asses concerning bowel elimination>?
normal patterns, COCA, flatus, diarrhea/constipation, bowel sounds
Describe a normal stool of an adult?
brown, formed/semi-solid, moist, 1 in. in diameter, aromatic
What nursing intervention is required after a barium enema?
encourage fluid and give cathartics
What tests might be ordered on a stool specimen?
viral, bacteria, O&P, occult blood, chemical analysis
What are the warning signs of colon cancer?
change in elimination pattern, blood in stools, rectal or abdominal pain, change in character of stool, sensation of incomplete emptying
What are nursing diagnoses associated with bowel elimination
constipation, diarrhea, impaired skin integrity, toileting:self care deficit
What does a Hypotonic(tap water) enema do?
distends intestine, increases peristalsis and softens stool
What does an Isotonic(normal saline) enema do?
distends intestine, increases peristalsis and softens stool
What does a Hypertonic(fleets) enema do?
distends intestine and irritates intestinal mucosa
What does an oil(mineral, olive oil) enema do?
lubricates stool and intestinal mucosa
What does soap suds enema do?
distends intestine, irritates mucosa, softens stool
What does a bulk-forming laxative do? and what is an example of one
causes stool to absorb water and sweel; Metamucil; Citrucel
What does a stool softener laxative do? and an example
allows water and fat to penetrate and lubricate stool; Colace, Surfak
What does Emollient (Lubricant) do? Example:
lubricates intestinal tracts and retards colonic absorption of water, softening stool and making it easier to pass; Mineral Oil
What does a Stimulant do? Example:
promotes peristalsis by irritating intestinal mucosa or stimulating nerve endings; Dulcolax
What does an osmotic laxative do? Example:
draws water into intestine resulting in softer stool and including more frequent BM; Miralax
Normal bowel sounds occur how often?
every 2-10 seconds; and last one to several seconds
Bowel sounds less than 5 per min
Hypoactive
bowel sounds greater than 35 per min.
hyperactive
What does bloody stool indicate
lower GI bleed
what does tarry stool indicate
Upper GI bleed
