Bowel Elimination Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering the process of fecal elimination, anatomy of the large intestine, and common bowel conditions and procedures.

What is Fecal Elimination?

The natural process of the body removing stool and digestive waste.

What are the start and end points of the Large Intestine?

It starts from the ileocecal valve and ends at the anus.

What are the components of the Large Intestine?

Cecum, Ascending colon, Transverse colon, Descending colon, Sigmoid colon, Rectum, and Anus.

What is the definition of Peristalsis?

A wave-like movement that pushes food and stool forward.

How is Defecation defined?

The removal of stool through the anus, which happens when stool reaches the rectum and stimulates the nerves.

Which physical positions facilitate bowel elimination?

Sitting and bending the legs.

What factors influence bowel elimination?

Age, food, fluid intake, physical activity, psychological state, elimination habits, medications, and diseases.

What are the primary causes of Constipation?

Low fiber, low water, low physical activity, irregular habits, medications, and sadness or depression.

What is Fecal Impaction?

Hard stool that accumulates in the rectum.

What causes Diarrhea according to the notes?

Rapid movement of stool through the large intestine.

What is Bowel Incontinence?

The inability to control stool or gas.

What is Bowel Diversion?

A surgery to create a new path for stool to leave the body.

What are the types of Bowel Diversion mentioned?

Ileostomy, Cecostomy, Ascending colostomy, Transverse colostomy, Descending colostomy, and Sigmoidostomy.