Bowel Elimination

These flashcards cover key concepts, terminology, and definitions related to bowel elimination, which are essential for understanding the physiological and nursing aspects of this fundamental health function.

Bowel Elimination

The key basic human function involving the excretion of fecal waste through the gastrointestinal tract.

Defecation

The physiological process of removing waste products of digestion from the body through the rectum and anus.

Peristalsis

Involuntary, wave-like muscle contractions that move fecal material through the colon.

Chyme

The semi-fluid mass of partially digested food expelled by the stomach into the small intestine.

Cathartics

Medications that stimulate bowel evacuation, often used for rapid cleansing of the bowel.

Constipation

A condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools.

Diarrhea

Frequent loose or liquid bowel movements that can be caused by infections, stress, or other factors.

Colonoscopy

A procedure that visualizes the entire colon and distal ileum to screen for polyps, cancer, inflammation.

Stoma

A surgical opening created to divert fecal flow from the intestines to the abdominal wall.

Fecal Incontinence

The involuntary passage of stool from the rectum, which can be occasional or chronic.