Bowel Elimination

Normal bowel function

range from several times per day to once a week; no excessive urgency, minium effort, no straining, no blood loss, use of laxatives

Aspirin/anticoagulants

red/pink/black stools; may cause ulcerations in stomach

Iron supplements

Black stools, gray-black, green; treats anemia, causes constipation, NV on empty stomach

Bismuth salicylate

black stools; slows peristalsis

Antacids

White discoloration, speckled stools; treats heartburn and neutralizes stomach acid, slows peristalsis

Antibiotics

green-gray color; treats infections, decreases normal flora in colon

High risk for constipation

Prolonged bedrest, lacking in fluids, or bulk (fiber), depressed, CNS disorders, painful lesions

Stool culture

Culture taken to assess for parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi

Occult blood

Finds hidden blood in stool for colorectal cancer or GI bleeding

Specimens for pinworms

Taken in morning for pinworm eggs around anal area

Types of Direct Visualization Studies (endoscopy)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Examines esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum through optic scope (Upper GI towards small intestines)

Colonoscopy

Through rectum, visualizes colon rectum and bowel using lighted scope

Sigmoidoscopy

Distal sigmoid colon, rectum, anal canal through flexible or rigid scope (not as indepth our colonoscopy)

Indirect Visualization Studies

Uses barium sulfate to coat GI with contrast to make organs visible; UGI, small bowel series, barium enema, abdominal ultrasound, MRI, Abdominal CT scan

Temperature to keep food until served

>140 F*

Sigmoid Colonostomy + Descending Colostomy

Stools looks more formed and solid, can feel when stool is coming out

Transverse Colonostomy

Semi-formed stool

Ascending Colonostomy

Liquid to semi-formed stool

Ileostomy

Stool is more liquid and continuous; often has higher enzyme content; completely diverted (no passage through large intestines), no removal of water

Stoma Management

Keep free of odors, empty when 1/3 full; Monitor stoma color (dark pink to red and moist) and size (stabilize within 6-8 weeks); skin around stoma clean and dry (avoid powders and oils)

Contact HCP Immediately If:

Stoma is dark and purple; bleeding is excessive and persistent; pale stoma (anemia); eroded peristomal skin (indicates leakage and flush stoma)

Oral intestinal lavage

Oral solutions that cleanse bowels; prior to colonoscopy