Bowel Elimination

constipation

infrequent stool or hard, dry, small stools that are difficult to eliminate

diarrhea

increase in the number of stools and the passage of liquid, unformed stool

flatulence

accumulation of gas in the intestines causing the walls to stretch

impaction

results from unrelieved constipation, a collection of hardened stool wedged in the r3ctum that a person cannot expel

incontinence

inability to control passage of stool and gas

hemorrhoids

dilated, engorged veins in the lining of the rectum

valsalva maneuver

• pressure exerted to expel stool through voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles while maintaining forced expiration against a closed airway

• pts with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, increased intracranial pressure, or a new surgical wound can be placed ad further risk with this maneuver

paralytic ileus

surgery that requires manipulation of the intestines causes temporary cessation of the intestinal movement

diagnostic examinations for bowel elimination

radiologic imaging with or w/o contrast, endoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI

f3cal occult blood testing

tests for invisible traces of blood in stool, a sign of bleeding in the GI tract

nursing interventions for regular elimination patterns

• suggest warm liquids that stimulate peristalsis and aid in defecation

• laxatives

• instruct pt to avoid straining while defecating

• weight pt daily

• f3cal management system may be used for immobile pts who are incontinent

• provide skin care and containment of f3cal drainage

fiber in the diet has many benefits, including:

• normalization of bowel movements in pts with normal bowel movements, constipation, or diarrhea

• maintenance of bowel integrity and health

• lowering blood cholesterol levels

• helps control blood sugar levels

• aiding in weight loss

• preventing colorectal cancer

medications

laxatives, cathartics (strong laxatives), antidiarrheal agents, rectal suppository, en3ma, digital removal of stool

fine/smal bore NGT

for med admin and enteral feedings

large bore NGT

for gastric decompression or removal of gastric secretions

stoma

temporary or permanent artificial opening in the abdominal wall

ileostomy/colostomy

surgical opening in the ileum or colon