Nursing Concepts: Bowel Elimination Questions
and Answers (100% Correct Answers)
The Large Intestine
Ans: Primary organ of bowel elimination
Extends from the ileocecal valve to the anus
Functions
-Absorption of water
-Manufacture of some vitamins
-Formation of feces
-Expulsion of feces from the body
Process of Peristalsis
Ans: -Peristalsis is under control of the nervous system.
-Contractions occur every 3 to 12 minutes.
-Mass peristalsis sweeps occur one to four times each 24-hour period.
-One third to one half of food waste is excreted in stool within 24 hours.
Variables Influencing Bowel Elimination
Ans: -Developmental considerations
-Daily patterns
-Food and fluid
-Activity and muscle tone
-Lifestyle, psychological variables
-Pathologic conditions
-Medications
-Diagnostic studies
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-Surgery and anesthesia
Infants bowel developmental considerations
Ans: characteristics of stool and frequency depend on formula or breast feedings
Toddler bowel developmental considerations
Ans: physiologic maturity is first priority for bowel training
Child, adolescent, adult bowel developmental considerations
Ans: defecation patterns vary in quantity, frequency, and rhythmicity
Older adult bowel developmental considerations
Ans: constipation is often a chronic problem; diarrhea and fecal incontinence may
result from physiologic or lifestyle changes
Constipating foods
Ans: cheese, lean meat, eggs, pasta
Foods with laxative effect
Ans: fruits and vegetables, bran, chocolate, alcohol, coffee
Gas-producing foods
Ans: onions, cabbage, beans, cauliflower
Effect of Medication on Stool
Ans: -Aspirin, anticoagulants
-Iron salts
-Antacids
-Antibiotics
Aspirin, anticoagulants
Ans: pink to red to black stool
Iron salts
Ans: black stool
Antacids
Ans: white discoloration or speckling in stool
Antibiotics
Ans: green-gray color
Resonance or tympany
Ans: is a normal sound expected when percussing the abdomen.