bowel elimn Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is the GI system
structure that allows the ingestion of food and absorption of nutrients and, ultimately, the elimination of waste.
the purpose of the GI tract is
break down the ingested food into absorbable forms
absorb fluid and nutrients,
prepare food for both absorption and use by the body’s cells
provide temporary storage of feces.
structure of mucosal and muscle of the GI tract
layers are innervated by the intrinsic enteric nervous system comprising sensory, inter neuronal, and motor fibres.
the beginning organs for digestion
mouth, esophagus and stomach
the ending organs for digestion
duodenum, jejunum ileum
the cecum, colon, and rectum eliminate waste
the GI tract also function as a
absorption of water
breakdown of nutrients
storage for nutrients
peristaltic contractions
propels the bolus into the stomach.
Peristaltic contractions relax over the bolus and contract behind the bolus, thus moving contents through the length of the GI tract.
stomach main purpose
storage of swallowed food and liquid,
mixing of food with liquid and gastric digestive juices,
the controlled emptying of its contents through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine.
two key GI hormones
gastrin and ghrelin
Ghrelin
releasing activity and stimulates food intake and digestion while reducing energy expenditures.
what kind of muscle lines the esophogus
smooth peristaltic muscle
how is parstalis affected by age
age slows the contractions and reduces frequency
factors affecting bowel elimination
age diet physical activity toilet position pregnancy surgery/anaesthesia psychological factors infection fluid intake personal habits pain/meds
alteration in bowel elimination
constipation fecal impaction diarrhea fecal incon flatulence hemorrhoids/fissures
way to document/asses stool
Bristol stool assessment
psychological considerations of an ostomy/stoma
change in appearance
body image
nurses need to be aware of own reaction
enemas
last resort to cure constipation/fecal impaction different kinds; tap water normal saline hypertonic soapsuds oil retention medicated
colon function
absorption, secretion, and elimination.
Each day, a large volume of water and significant amounts of sodium and chloride are absorbed by the colon
normal defecation
should be painless resulting in smooth, slippery stool
Valsalva manoeuvre
voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm while maintaining forced expiration against a closed airway.
should be avoided for those who have heart/lung problems
can lead to a heart attack
normal bowel sounds
normal bowel sounds every 5 to 15 seconds and last from 1 sec to a few secs
High-pitched and hyperactive bowel sounds
35 or more sounds per minute) occur when the small intestine is obstructed or when inflammatory disorders are present
screening for colon cancer risk factors
Older than 50 years of age • Family history of colorectal cancer (particularly parent, child, or sibling) • History of inflammatory bowel disease • High-fat and low-fibre diet • Obesity • Excessive alcohol consumption • Smoking • Physically inactive
warning signs to screen for colon cancer
Unexplained change in bowel patterns • Rectal bleeding • Unexplained weight loss • Urgent need to empty bowel • Unexplained stool incontinence
