Bowel Incontinence in Older Adults

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Questions and Answers

An elderly patient is experiencing bowel incontinence. Which environmental factor would most likely contribute to the patient's incontinence?

  • Decreased muscle tone due to impaired mobility.
  • An inaccessible bathroom. (correct)
  • Dysfunctional rectal sphincter.
  • A diet lacking sufficient fiber and raw fruits.

A patient with bowel incontinence is also expressing feelings of shame and isolation. Which nursing problem is most appropriate to address these concerns?

  • Disturbed body image. (correct)
  • Deficient knowledge.
  • Risk for impaired skin integrity.
  • Anxiety.

Which of the following findings would be classified as an objective assessment cue for bowel incontinence?

  • Inability to delay defecation.
  • Does not recognize the urge to defecate.
  • Constant passage of soft stool. (correct)
  • Inability to recognize rectal fullness.

Which intervention is most important for a nurse to implement to maintain skin integrity for a patient with bowel incontinence?

<p>Institute a structured skin care regimen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports being unable to make it to the bathroom in time once they feel the urge to defecate. Which of the following assessment findings is the patient experiencing?

<p>Inability to delay defecation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse prioritize when caring for a patient with bowel incontinence?

<p>Identifying and addressing risk factors for incontinence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with bowel incontinence has a goal to "reduce the frequency of incontinent episodes." Which dietary instruction supports this goal?

<p>Incorporate a high-fiber diet including raw fruits and whole grains. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following patient outcomes indicates effective management of bowel incontinence?

<p>Regular evacuation of fecal content including soft formed stool. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with impaired mobility is at increased risk for bowel incontinence due to what?

<p>Decreased muscle tone. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings suggests that the skin care regimen for a patient with bowel incontinence is effective?

<p>The patient's perianal area exhibits intact skin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bowel Incontinence

Involuntary passage of stool.

Risk Factors for Bowel Incontinence

Older adults, impaired mobility, cognitive impairment, and structural/functional bowel impairment.

Assessment Findings: Bowel Incontinence

Does not recognize urge to defecate, cannot delay defecation, or recognize fullness.

Objective Signs of Bowel Incontinence

Constant passage of soft stool, fecal odor, and staining of bedding/clothing.

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Nursing Interventions for Bowel Incontinence

Recognize risk factors, inspect perineal skin, document stool patterns, identify triggers, and implement structured skin care.

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Desired Patient Outcomes: Bowel Incontinence

Intact perineal skin, identified triggers, and regular evacuation of soft stool.

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Dietary Therapy for Bowel Incontinence

High fiber diet to promote formed stools.

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Additional Nursing Problems/Concerns

Risk for impaired skin integrity, disturbed body image, anxiety, deficient knowledge.

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Ultimate Long-Term Goal

Reduce or eliminate frequency of incontinent episodes.

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Study Notes

Assessment Findings/Relevant Cues/Noticing

  • Does not recognize the urge to defecate
  • Inability to delay defecation
  • Inability to expel formed stool despite recognition of rectal fullness
  • Inability to recognize rectal fullness

Objective Assessment Findings/Relevant Cues

  • Constant passage of soft stool
  • Fecal odor
  • Fecal staining on bedding and clothing

Risk Factors/Etiology

  • Age: older adults
  • Impaired mobility (Decreased Muscle Tone)
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Structural or functional impairment of bowel function: Dysfunctional rectal sphincter, Impaired reservoir capacity
  • Environmental factors (Inaccessible Bathroom)
  • Deficient dietary habits

Primary Concept/Exemplar

  • Elimination

Primary Nursing Problem/Concern

  • Bowel Incontinence: Involuntary passage of stool

Other Additional Appropriate Nursing Problems/Concerns

  • Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
  • Disturbed Body Image
  • Anxiety
  • Deficient Knowledge

Priority Nursing Interventions/Action/Responding

  • Recognize risk factors for incontinence
  • Closely inspect the perineal skin and skin folds for evidence of skin breakdown
  • Document pattern of stool elimination/record
  • Identify conditions (triggers) contributing to or causing fecal incontinence
  • Institute a structured skin care regimen that incorporates 3 steps: cleanse, moisturize, and protect

Patient Outcomes

  • Exhibit intact skin in the perianal/perineal area
  • Identify triggers that precipitate bowel incontinence
  • Have regular evacuation of fecal content including soft formed stool

Ultimate Long-Term Goal

  • Reduce or eliminate frequency of incontinent episodes

Additional Information (Therapy)

  • Diet: High fiber diet- raw fruits, bran products, whole grain cereal, whole wheat

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