Week 6 Nursing

Question 1

Elimination

Answer 1

▪ Elimination refers to evacuation of the bladder and bowel.
▪ Regular elimination patterns are essential to maintain health.
▪ Nurses and midwives are responsible for assisting with elimination.
▪ During periods of stress and illness people often experience alterations to elimination patterns and continence.

Question 2

Bristol Stool Chart

Answer 2

▪ Chart which documents the different types of poo.
▪ Type 3-4 is considered normal.
▪ Constipation is indicated by Type 1-2.
▪ Diarrhoea is indicated by Type 6-7.
▪ Encourage patients to report the characteristics of their poo.

Question 3

Paediatric Bristol Stool Chart

Answer 3

▪ Versions adapted for use with children.
▪ Children may be very secretive about their elimination habits.
▪ Parents may need to report poo characteristics for babies and infants.
▪ Children often experience constipation from reduced water intake.

Question 4

Personal Hygiene Needs

Answer 4

▪ Bathing
▪ Mouth care
▪ Dressing and grooming
▪ Shaving/hair removal

Question 5

Personal Hygiene Preferences

Answer 5

▪ Shower vs. bath vs. ‘bird-bath’
▪ Frequency of hygiene
▪ Morning or evening
▪ Bar soap / liquid soap / no soap
▪ Frequency of hair washing
▪ Use of moisturiser, deodorant etc.
▪ Order of washing
▪ Soaking of dentures vs. washing

Question 6

Consequences of Neglected Hygiene

Answer 6

▪ Body odour
▪ Infection
▪ Skin breakdown
▪ Social isolation
– Work
– Social engagement
▪ Altered body image
▪ Embarrassment

Question 7

Indirect and Direct Hygiene Activities

Answer 7

Indirect care activities
– Preparing for self care
* Inclusion of others as requested
* Consideration for time of day and equipment
– Hygiene education
– Health promotion

Direct hygiene care
– Bed sponge
– Assisted shower
– Dental hygiene (teeth/dentures)
– Shaving
– Hair washing

Question 8

Assistive Eating and Drinking Devices

Answer 8

▪ People suffering illness or trauma may need assistance with eating and drinking.
▪ Considerable compassion is required when assisting with eating and drinking.
▪ Assistive plates, bowels, cups and cutlery are available.
▪ Involve occupational therapy for prescription of assistive devices.
▪ Involve family members if patient feels appropriate.

Question 9

Nasogastric Tube Feeding

Answer 9

▪ Plastic tube that allows delivery of food/fluid/medications directly into the stomach.
▪ Gastric contents can be removed (‘aspirated’) from the stomach.
▪ Passed through the nose, into the oropharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract.
▪ Various nutritional formulas available to ensure calo

Question 10

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Answer 10

Delivery of a nutrient rich solution intravenously.
– An emulsion of lipids, carbohydrates, glucose, amino acids and protein.