Bowel Exam 3 Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the primary objective of the urinary and bowel elimination review?
Review anatomy and physiology of urinary & bowel elimination
This includes understanding the structure and function of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts.
What are the segments of the small intestine?
- Duodenum
- Jejunum
- Ileum
These segments play vital roles in digestion and nutrient absorption.
What are the two ring-like muscles that function as sphincters in the rectum and anus?
- Internal sphincter
- External sphincter
These sphincters control the passage of stool.
At what age do children typically gain control over defecation?
By 2 – 3 years old
This is an important developmental milestone for children.
What is the Valsalva maneuver and why should it be cautioned in certain patients?
A maneuver that can cause the patient to vagal (slow heart rate)
Valsalva maneuver – caution pts with heart disease, glaucoma, new surgical wounds, and increased intracranial pressure to avoid bearing down. Performing
Bearing down means that you try to breathe out with your stomach muscles, but you don’t let air out of your nose or mouth. This can be effective when a patient is having supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
It is important to caution patients with heart disease, glaucoma, new surgical wounds, and increased intracranial pressure.
Name three personal and sociocultural factors affecting bowel elimination.
- Privacy
- Time constraints
- Stress
These factors can significantly influence a person’s bowel habits.
List some medications that can affect bowel elimination.
- Antacids
- Magnesium
- Aspirin
- Antibiotics
- Iron
- Pain medication
- Laxatives
Each of these medications can have varying effects, such as constipation or diarrhea.
What is a barium enema and what is it used for?
An X-ray exam that detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine
This procedure involves injecting a liquid into the rectum.
What are the normal bowel sounds and their characteristics?
Normal: high pitched, 5 – 15 gurgles per minute
Changes in bowel sounds can indicate various gastrointestinal conditions.
What are the components of a bowel elimination assessment?
- Health history
- Bowel movement patterns
- Appearance of stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Stoma care (if applicable)
This assessment helps identify potential issues with bowel function.
What is constipation and what are its contributing factors?
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease
Contributing factors include improper diet, reduced fluid intake, lack of exercise, medications, age, and immobility.
What dietary recommendations can help alleviate constipation?
- Increase fiber intake (25 – 30 g per day)
- Adequate fluid intake (1500 mL per day)
- Encourage physical activity
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining normal bowel function.
What is diarrhea and what are some of its causes?
Passage of loose, unformed, or watery stools
Causes can include viral or bacterial infections, allergies to foods, medications, and surgeries.
What are some nursing interventions for managing diarrhea?
- Encourage hand hygiene
- Educate on foods that can cause diarrhea
- Monitor stools
- Clear liquid diet
These interventions aim to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
What is a colostomy and how does its location affect stool consistency?
A surgically created opening when a portion of the colon or rectum is removed
The location determines whether the output is solid or liquid.
What is the purpose of stoma care?
To assess stoma appearance and preserve peristomal skin
Proper care is crucial to prevent complications such as skin excoriation.
True or False: An ileostomy always produces solid feces.
False
An ileostomy produces watery feces and requires a collection appliance.
Fill in the blank: The _______ maneuver is effective for patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
[Valsalva]
What is the recommended fluid intake for patients to promote normal bowel function?
1500 mL per day
Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements.
Lactulose
is prescribed to lower ammonia levels through stool. - Diarrhea
Kaexylate
is given to lower potassium levels through stool elimination. - Diarrhea. Lower K+
pain meds
1 way to prevent constipation give fliuds
BM not moving?
Give TPN
*active bowel sounds/moving gas = moving bowels
Factors affecting Bm
neurolgical
bacterial
colitis- autoimmune bloody
chrons- autoimmune-unpredictable
