Chapter 47: Bowel Elimination Flashcards
(116 cards)
The GI Tract
series of hollow, mucous membrane-lined, muscular organs
What is the function of the GI tract?
- Absorbs high volumes of fluid and nutrients - makes fluid and electrolyte balance a key function of this system
- Prepare food for absorption and use by body cells - receives secretions from the gallbladder and pancreas
- Provides for temporary storage of feces
Mouth
mastication and mixing with saliva and enzymes such as amylase
Esophagus
food enters esophagus via the esophageal sphincter
Stomach
Food mixes with HCL, mucus, enzyme pepsin and intrinsic factor.
HCL and pepsin aid in
the digestion of proteins
Intrinsic factor is essential for
absorption of Vit B12
Small Intestine has 3 sections, what are they?
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
Duodenum
Approximately 8-11” long. Continues to process chyme.
Jejunum
Approximately 8 feet long. Absorbs carbohydrates and proteins.
What parts of the small intestine absorb most of the nutrients and electrolytes?
duodenum and jejunum
Ileum
Approximately 12 feet long. Absorbs water, fats, certain vitamins, iron and bile salts.
The Large Intestine (Colon)
Approximately 5-6 feet long.
Divided into the: cecum, colon and rectum
The colon is divided into
Ascending
Transverse
Descending
Sigmoid
Rectum
bacteria convert fecal matter into its final form
The large intestine has three functions
- Absorption- water, sodium and chloride
- Secretion- bicarbonate in exchange for chloride and potassium.
- Elimination
Anus
expels feces and flatus from the rectum
Physiological factors critical to bowel function and defecation include:
Normal GI tract function
Sensory awareness of rectal distention
Voluntary sphincter control
Adequate rectal capacity and compliance
What causes the awareness of the need to defecate?
when stool reaches the rectum, the distention causes relaxation of the internal sphincter and awareness of the need to defecate
Valsalva Maneuver
voluntary contraction of abdominal muscles while maintaining a forced expiration against a closed airway.
Valsalva Maneuver should be cautioned in patients with
Glaucoma
Increased intracranial pressure
New surgical wounds … at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and HTN
What are factors that influence bowel elimination?
Age Diet Fluid Intake Physical Activity Psychological Factors Personal Habits Position During Defecation Pain Pregnancy Surgery and Anesthesia Medications Diagnostic tests
How does age influence bowel elimination?
in an older adult:
decreased peristalsis
esophageal emptying slows
decreased muscle tone in the perineal floor
nerve impulse to anal region slow (less aware of need to defecate)
How does diet influence bowel elimination?
Fiber
Gas producing foods also stimulate peristalsis
Food intolerance