Exam 4: Bowel Elimination

Question 1

What growth and developmental changes occur in the elderly?

Answer 1

GI Activity decreases, metabolism decreases, sense of taste and smell decrease, loss of teeth, change in lifestyle, gastric secretions slowed, elimination and peristalsis decrease

Question 2

what factors influence bowel elimination

Answer 2

diet, fluid, activity, pain

Question 3

What are some nursing interventions that prevent constipation?

Answer 3

monitor BM, evaluate meds, high fiber diet, increase fluids, increase activity, laxatives

Question 4

What are nursing interventions for diarrhea?

Answer 4

NPO then clear liquids, I&O, daily wts, rest, assess COCA, IV’s for dehydration

Question 5

What are some nursing interventions for bowel incontinence

Answer 5

toilet training/schedule, establish goals, incontinence products, hygiene practices, privacy

Question 6

What would a nurse asses concerning bowel elimination>?

Answer 6

normal patterns, COCA, flatus, diarrhea/constipation, bowel sounds

Question 7

Describe a normal stool of an adult?

Answer 7

brown, formed/semi-solid, moist, 1 in. in diameter, aromatic

Question 8

What nursing intervention is required after a barium enema?

Answer 8

encourage fluid and give cathartics

Question 9

What tests might be ordered on a stool specimen?

Answer 9

viral, bacteria, O&P, occult blood, chemical analysis

Question 10

What are the warning signs of colon cancer?

Answer 10

change in elimination pattern, blood in stools, rectal or abdominal pain, change in character of stool, sensation of incomplete emptying

Question 11

What are nursing diagnoses associated with bowel elimination

Answer 11

constipation, diarrhea, impaired skin integrity, toileting:self care deficit

Question 12

What does a Hypotonic(tap water) enema do?

Answer 12

distends intestine, increases peristalsis and softens stool

Question 13

What does an Isotonic(normal saline) enema do?

Answer 13

distends intestine, increases peristalsis and softens stool

Question 14

What does a Hypertonic(fleets) enema do?

Answer 14

distends intestine and irritates intestinal mucosa

Question 15

What does an oil(mineral, olive oil) enema do?

Answer 15

lubricates stool and intestinal mucosa

Question 16

What does soap suds enema do?

Answer 16

distends intestine, irritates mucosa, softens stool

Question 17

What does a bulk-forming laxative do? and what is an example of one

Answer 17

causes stool to absorb water and sweel; Metamucil; Citrucel

Question 18

What does a stool softener laxative do? and an example

Answer 18

allows water and fat to penetrate and lubricate stool; Colace, Surfak

Question 19

What does Emollient (Lubricant) do? Example:

Answer 19

lubricates intestinal tracts and retards colonic absorption of water, softening stool and making it easier to pass; Mineral Oil

Question 20

What does a Stimulant do? Example:

Answer 20

promotes peristalsis by irritating intestinal mucosa or stimulating nerve endings; Dulcolax

Question 21

What does an osmotic laxative do? Example:

Answer 21

draws water into intestine resulting in softer stool and including more frequent BM; Miralax

Question 22

Normal bowel sounds occur how often?

Answer 22

every 2-10 seconds; and last one to several seconds

Question 23

Bowel sounds less than 5 per min

Answer 23

Hypoactive

Question 24

bowel sounds greater than 35 per min.

Answer 24

hyperactive

Question 25

What does bloody stool indicate

Answer 25

lower GI bleed

Question 26

what does tarry stool indicate

Answer 26

Upper GI bleed