Gastrointestinal Elimination Flashcards

Flashcards about waste production and elimination

Small and large intestines

Organs involved in waste production and elimination.

Light to dark brown

Normal color of stool.

Black, sticky stool

Indicates bleeding in the upper intestinal tract.

Red blood in stool

Indicates bleeding in the large intestine or rectal area.

Pale white or light gray stool

Indicates an absence of bile in the intestine.

Constipation

Common problem of a hypoactive bowel where feces become compacted and hardened.

Bulk-forming laxative

Recommended type of laxative for older adults.

Diarrhea

Occurs when increased peristalsis pushes food through the intestinal tract too fast.

Fecal incontinence

May affect people of all ages because of illness, injury, or neurogenic dysfunction.

Bowel status

Should be assessed for every patient every day.

Exercise, dietary fiber, and at least 1500 mL of fluid per day

To promote regular bowel movements, encourage these three things.

Barium x-ray examinations

Patients undergoing this procedure need to flush the bowel after the test to prevent impaction.

Virus or bacteria

Diarrhea caused by this is usually not treated with medication for 24 to 48 hours.

Rectal suppositories

Are used to stimulate a bowel movement.

Enemas

Are given to cleanse the bowel, deliver medication, relieve distention, or soften stool.

Fecal impaction

Is first treated by oil-retention enema followed several hours later by a cleansing enema.

2 to 3 months or longer

A bowel training program takes this long.

Bowel ostomy

Is performed when fecal diversion is necessary.

Ileostomy

Produces liquid effluent.

Colostomy

Produces more formed stool.

Pale, dusky, or black stoma

Indicates compromised blood supply in a stoma and should be reported to the primary care provider.