Bowel Elimination
Bowel Elimination
Stool:
It is feces that have been excreted.
Peristalsis:
It is the alternating contraction and relaxation of the
intestinal muscles.
Hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids are dilated, engorged veins, in the lining
of the rectum. They are either external or internal.
Mouth
Esophagus
Stomach
Small intestine
Large intestine
Anus
Primary organ of bowel elimination
1.5 m. length, 6 – 7 cm. diameter
Functions
Completion of absorption of H2O, Nutrients
Formation of feces
Expulsion of feces from the body
When waste content enter the large intestine
the content are liquid or watery (ascending
colon). When leave the transverse they are
semisolid & most water are absorbed (800-
1000).
Allowing for the formed, semisolid consistency
of the normal stool.
When the waste product reach the end of the
colon they are called feces.
Defecation
is assisted by contracting abdominal
muscles and contracting pelvic floor muscle.
1. Developmental considerations:
Infant:
Stool character depend on type of feeding
Number of stool: 2-4 for breast fed, 1-2 for bottle fed
Toddler:
Neuromuscular structures not developed until
15 – 18 mos.
Voluntary control 2- 4 yrs.
Child, adult old age:
Defecation pattern vary in quantity, frequency,
rhythm.
:II. Food & fluid
Healthy elimination is facilitated by high fiber
diet and daily fluid intake of 2000-3000
Constipating foods cheese, lean meat &
eggs
Foods with laxative effect fruits and
vegetables, chocolate
Gas-producing foods onions, cabbage, beans
:III. Activity and muscle tone
Regular exercise improve gastrointestinal
.motility and muscle tone
X. Pregnancy
Advanced pregnancy is extended on the
rectum, impairing the free passage of feces,
leading to constipation
I. Diarrhea
II. Flatulence
III. Fecal incontinence
IV. Constipation
V. Fecal impaction
:Factors predispose to constipation
.Inadequate dietary fiber intake -1
.Fluid intake less than 1500ml/day -2
.Consistent delay of bowel evacuation -3
.Decrease physical activity -4
.Chronic stress -5
.Slower motility of GIT associated with aging -6
Chemotherapy -7
Physical inactivity -8
.Increase high fiber food & fluids intake -1
:Use of laxatives & cathartics -2
Laxatives are drugs that induce emptying of the
intestinal tract, they act as stimulating peristalsis
.& soften fecal material
Laxatives, enemas & manual removal of the stool are possible measures.
Enemas
Rectal suppositories
Rectal catheters
Digital stool removal
Oil-retention - lubricate the stool and intestinal mucosa
easing defecation
Carminative - help expel flatus from rectum
Medicated - provide medications absorbed through
rectal mucosa
Anthelmintic - destroy intestinal parasites
Nutritive - administer fluids and nutrition rectally
I. History
Usual pattern of bowel elimination
taking
Any routines follows to promote normal
elimination
Identify any routines follows to promote
normal elimination
Character of stool (odor, color, shape-
consistency, volume).