CNA Ch17 Bowel Elimination

Fecal impaction

A hard stool that is stuck in the rectum and cannot be expelled; results from unrelieved constipation.

64 oz

A healthy person needs at least _____ of fluid each day

Suppository

A medication given rectally to cause a bowel movement

Flatulence

Also called flatus or gas, is air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum, which can result in cramping or abdominal pain

Stoma

Artificial opening in to the abdomen.

Ulcerative colitis

Chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, diarrhea, pain occurring to one side of the lower abdomen, rectal bleeding, and loss of appetite.

After meals

Elimination usually occurs ______

Hemorrhoids

Enlarged veins in the rectum that may also be visible outside the anus; can develop from an increase pressure in the lower rectum due to straining during bowel movements

Constipation

Foods that are high in animal fats and refined sugars but low in fiber can cause _____

Ulceration

If heartburn occurs frequently and remains untreated it can cause scarring or ______

Pain relievers

Medication that can slow elimination

Antibiotics

Medication that may cause diarrhea

Laxatives

Medications used to cause bowel movements and may cause excessive elimination

Proper fluid intake

Normal bowel elimination is aided by ___________

Colitis

Or Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a chronic form of stomach upset that gets worse from stress

Colorectal cancer

Or colon cancer, is cancer of gastrointestinal tract. S/S include changes in normal bowel patterns, cramps, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding

Feces

Or stool or bowel movements, are semi-solid material made up of water, solid waste material, bacteria, and mucus.

Warm

Ova and parasites test must be down while the stool is still _____

Peptic ulcers

Raw sores in the stomach or the small intestine, caused by excessive acid production. A dull or gnawing pain occurs on to three hours after eating, accompanied by belching or vomiting.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Referred to as GERD, a chronic condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach back up in to the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus

Abdominal swelling, gas, irritability, and no recent bowel movement

Signs of constipation

Occult

Something that is hidden or difficult to see or observe; may be an indication of colorectal cancer or of other illnesses

Enema

Specific amount of water, with or without an additive, that is introduced into the colon to stimulate the elimination of stool

Brown

Stool is normally _____, soft, and formed in a tubular shape from its passage through the colon

Physical activity

Strengthens abdominal and pelvic muscles, which helps peristalsis

Ileostomy

Surgically-created opening into the end of the small intestine to allow stool to be expelled

Colostomy

Surgically-created opening into the large intestine to allow stool to be expelled

Squatting and leaning forward

The best position for bowel elimination is _____

Malabsorption

The body cannot absorb or digest a particular nutrients properly; it is often accompanied by diarrhea

Warm

The enema solution should be _____, not hot or cold

Diarrhea

The frequent elimination of liquid or semi-liquid feces. Bacterial and viral infections, microorganisms in food and water, irritating foods, and medications can cause this.

Fecal incontinence

The inability to control the bowels, leading to an involuntary passage of stool. Common causes are constipation, muscle and nerve damage, loss of storage capacity in the rectum, and diarrhea

Constipation

The inability to eliminate stool, or the infrequent, difficult, and often painful elimination of a hard, dry stool; occurs when the feces move too slowly through intestine

Peristalsis

The involuntary contractions that move food through the gastrointestinal system.

Sims

The resident should be placed in ___ position for an enema

2-3 hrs

The resident should not lie down until at least ____ after eating if they have heartburn or GERD

Heartburn

The result of a weakening of the sphincter muscle that joins the esophagus and the stomach. Stomach acid causes a burning sensation in the esophagus

Ureterostomy

When a ureter is opened to the abdomen for urine to be eliminated

True

[T or F] as a person ages, peristalsis slows

False

[T or F] constipation is normal and does not need to be reported to the nurse

False

[T or F] fecal incontinence is normal for people over age 65

True

[T or F] food, medications, and supplements, as well as illness, can cause a change in the normal color of stool

True

[T or F] stool is often tested for blood, pathogens, or worms

True

[T or F] stool that is whitish, black, or red should be reported to the nurse

False

[T or F] stress, anger, fear, and depression does not affect gastrointestinal function

True

[T or F] the number of bowel movements a person has varies with age and with the amount and type of foods consumed

True

[T or F] urine or paper can ruin a stool sample

Fiber

______ intake improves bowel elimination but can also cause flatulence, or gas, which can cause discomfort (see book for examples)

Defecation

or bowel elimination, is the act of passing feces from the large intestine out of the body through the anus

Slow deep breaths

resident should take _______ when taking an enema to help hold the solution longer