Question | Answer |
What is the primary organ of bowel elimination? | Large intestine |
When are mass peristaltic waves strongest? | During the hour after meals |
When does the ability to control defecation normally occur? | At age 2-3 years |
What provides the bulk of fecal material? | Fiber in the diet |
What daily fluid intake is recommended to promote normal bowel elimination? | 3 liters for men and 2.2 liters for women |
What leads to constipation during pregnancy? | Slowing of peristalsis during the third trimester |
What is the temporary cessation of peristalsis? | Ileus |
What are some possible causes of constipation? | Improper diet, reduced fluid intake, lack of exercise, and certain medications |
If fecal impaction is severe, how far can the mass extend? | Into the sigmoid colon |
Which patients are most at risk for fecal impaction? | Those who are debilitated, unconscious, or confused. |
When should you suspect a fecal impaction? | When there is a continuous oozing of liquid stool |
How are hemorrhoids classified? | As either external or internal |
What are causes of hemorrhoids? | Straining at defecation, pregnancy, heart failure, and chronic liver disease |
Which medications should you focus on when taking a medication history in regards to a bowel elimination assessment? | Laxatives, antacids, iron supplements, and analgesics |
What are S/S that can indicate an intestinal obstruction? | Cramping pain, nausea, and absence of bowel movements, as well as observable peristalsis |
What does the fecal occult blood test measure? | Microscopic amounts of blood in the feces |
What are the two types of fecal occult blood tests? | Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) |
If the results of a fecal occult blood test are positive, how is it followed up? | With a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy |
What does an anorectal manometry measure? | The pressure activity of the internal and external anal sphincters, reflexes during rectal distension, and rectal sensation. |
What is one of the most important habits to teach regarding bowel habits? | To take time for defecation |
How high should you raise the head of the bed when a patient is on a bedpan? | 30-45 degrees |
Which has a more rapid effect: Cathartics or laxatives? | Cathartics |
When should you administer a suppository? | Right before a person's usual time to defecate or immediately after a meal |
What is the only enema administered to infants and children? | Normal saline enema |
Why should you use caution if ordered to repeat a tap water enema? | Because water toxicity or circulatory overload may develop |
What is physiologically the safest enema solution? | Normal saline |
If a patient is unable to tolerate large volumes of fluid, which enema solution would be best to use? | Hypertonic solutions |
Hypertonic solutions are contraindicated in which patients? | Those who are dehydrated and young infants |
What is the most common hypertonic enema solution? | Fleet enema |
What should be the only soap used in a soapsuds enema? | Pure castile soap in liquid form |
When should you use caution when administering a soapsuds enema? | In pregnant women and the elderly |
Which enema solution should a patient try to retain for several hours? | Oil retention |
True or False: You can give an enema to a patient sitting on a toilet. | False |
What is the last resort in the management of severe constipation? | Digital removal of stool |
Why should you use caution when digitally removing stool? | Because it can stimulate the vagus nerve, causing a severe drop in heart rate |
What foods are recommended for patients with diarrhea? | Low-residue foods such as white rice, potatoes, bread, bananas, and cooked cereals |
What foods are recommended to promote normal elimination? | Whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables |