Nursing Ch. 40 Bowel Elimination Study Questions and Answers

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and the processes involved in formation, storage, and elimination of waste products:The GI tract runs from the mouth to the anus. A bolus of food moves from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. It then travels through the small intestine into the large intestine, where nutrients and electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride, are absorbed from digested food. Water is absorbed from indigestible food residue. Waste from the body is eliminated through the formation of feces and expelled from the body by way of the rectum and anus. Identify common alterations in bowel eliminationDiarrhea, constipation, and bowel diversions are the most common alterations in bowel elimination. Recognize cues to identify issues with bowel elimination:The nurse understands that the complications of altered elimination include fluid and electrolyte imbalances, body image issues, alterations in skin integrity, imbalanced nutrition, activity intolerance, and pain. Prioritize nursing diagnoses related to bowel eliminationNursing diagnoses related to bowel elimination include Diarrhea, Constipation, Bowel Incontinence, and being at risk for these diagnoses. Nursing diagnoses that are not directly related to elimination but might be included in the care plan for a patient with bowel changes include Disturbed Body Image, Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity, Fluid Imbalance, Impaired Self-Toileting, Acute Pain, and Chronic Pain. Generate goals for patients experiencing alterations in bowel eliminationPatient goals are focused on maintaining current level of function or returning the patient to optimal bowel function. Implement and evaluate interventions to maintain normal bowel elimination:By prioritizing the nursing diagnoses related to elimination, the nurse collaborates on a plan of care for the patient and provides interventions based on short-term and long-term goals, with the ultimate aim of returning the patient to an optimal state of health. Ostomy care and teaching of self-care for new ostomy patients constitute a priority nursing intervention. Evaluation and modification of the plan of care are ongoing. A patient is being discharged from the hospital with a new ileostomy. The patient expresses concern about caring for the ostomy. Before hospital discharge, which members of the interprofessional health care team would be most appropriate for a referral? a. Home care nurse b. Wound ostomy continence nurse c. Registered dietitian d. Primary care providerB. Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse The nurse is assigned the care of a patient for whom a cleansing enema has been ordered. Which data is most important for the nurse to investigate first? a. The proper way to position the patient b. Signs and symptoms of intolerance to the procedure c. Vital signs before the procedure d. History of surgery of the anus or rectumD. History of surgery of the anus or rectum