Unit V: Fecal Elimination

Question 1

what are terms commonly used to describe fecal elimination

Answer 1

defecation, bowel movement,

Question 2

what does a fecal elimination consist of

Answer 2

feces/stool and flatus/gas

Question 3

Stool is usually about __% water and __% solid material

Answer 3

75, 25

Question 4

if stool is normal what color should it be

Answer 4

adults: brown
infants: yellow

Question 5

list the abnormal colors of feces and what it indicates

Answer 5

1. clay or white: bile obstruction or recent barium study
2. Black or tarry: iron intake or pep to bismol, upper GI bleeding, diet high in red meat or dark leafy veggies
3. Red: lower GI bleeding, eating of beets
4. pale: not absorbing fats properly; high intake of dairy and low in meats
5. orange or green: intestinal infection

Question 6

as it pertains to the consistency of fecal matter, what is normal and what is abnormal

Answer 6

normal: formed, soft, semisolid, and moist
abnormal: hard/dry or diarrhea/liquid

Question 7

what are reasons stool would be hard/dry

Answer 7

dehydration, decreased motility, lack of fiber, lack of exercise, laxative abuse, stress

Question 8

what are reasons stool would be diarrhea/liquid

Answer 8

increased motility

Question 9

as it pertains to the shape of fecal matter, what is normal and abnormal

Answer 9

normal: cylindrical, approximately 1” diameter
abnormal: narrow, pencil-shaped, or string like

Question 10

what are cause for a patient to produce narrow, pencil-shaped, or string-like stool

Answer 10

obstruction of the bowel

Question 11

what is the normal amount for bowel movements

Answer 11

between 100-400 grams/day

Question 12

what is the normal and abnormal odor for feces

Answer 12

normal: aromatic
abnormal: pungent

Question 13

what would cause feces to have a pungent odor

Answer 13

blood in stool or infection of GI

Question 14

what are the normal constituents of fecal matter

Answer 14

undigested roughage (fiber), dead bacteria/epithelial cells, fat, protein, bile pigments, inorganic matter

Question 15

what are abnormal constituents of fecal matter and their causes

Answer 15

pus: bacterial infection
mucus: inflammation
parasites: may not be able to see with naked eye
blood: GI bleed
high fat quantities: malabsorption
foreign objects: accidental ingestion

Question 16

what interventions can be made to promote patient defecation

Answer 16

1. provide privacy
2. encourage defecation when urge is present
3. have proper fluid & nutrition intake
4. promote regular exercise
5. have patient sitting and leaning forward for best position

Question 17

what is the purpose of an enema administration

Answer 17

to distend the intestine or cause irritation to facilitate peristalsis and the excretion of feces and flatus

Question 18

what temperature should an enema be

Answer 18

100ºF

Question 19

what is the best and easiest position to administer an enema

Answer 19

patient in left lateral position with right leg flexed.

Question 20

what are the types of enemas

Answer 20

• cleansing
• carminative
• retention
• return-flow or Harris Flush

Question 21

what is a fecal ostomy

Answer 21

an opening into the gastrointestinal tract used to divert and drain fecal material