Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in Older Person Care

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What is one reason older people may not bring up constipation during consultations?

They feel embarrassed to talk about it

They are not aware of the issue

They don't consider it a problem

They assume it's a normal consequence of aging (correct)

Why is it important for health professionals to enquire sensitively about fecal incontinence?

To fulfill their professional obligations

To avoid unnecessary embarrassment for the patient

To reduce the number of older people living with fecal incontinence

To detect the problem early and provide appropriate management (correct)

What is one measure to prevent constipation in management plans for people at risk?

Reducing fiber in the diet

Including regular exercise (correct)

Avoiding fluid intake

Increasing caffeine intake

Why can fecal incontinence be a source of embarrassment for older adults?

Due to societal stigma surrounding the issue Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of The Rome Foundation mentioned in the text?

Advancing the understanding and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders Signup and view all the answers

Why might older people be at risk of fecal incontinence?

Due to lifestyle factors or medications Signup and view all the answers

What is an implication of constipation being accepted as a normal consequence of aging?

People do not seek medical help for constipation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of constipation according to the Rome Criteria?

Rectal bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum duration for a person to experience symptoms to meet the Rome Criteria for constipation?

3 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential cause of constipation in older people?

Increased dietary fiber intake Signup and view all the answers

What should older people presenting with constipation have during physical examination?

Rectal examination Signup and view all the answers

Which specialized test might be required for severe cases of constipation when a secondary cause is not determined after an unsuccessful trial of a high-fiber diet and laxatives?

Colonoscopy Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of treatment for constipation?

To relieve symptoms, restore normal bowel habits, and improve quality of life Signup and view all the answers

Which type of laxative increases stool water content?

Osmotic laxatives Signup and view all the answers

What are phosphate enemas associated with?

Rectal bleeding and perforation Signup and view all the answers

What is prucalopride licensed for use when other laxatives fail?

As a prokinetic agent targeting gut serotonin receptors Signup and view all the answers

What should be addressed first in the treatment of constipation?

Identifying underlying causes and addressing them first Signup and view all the answers

What type of test should only be considered if it will affect management decisions?

Anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion tests Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is NOT listed as a potential contributor to constipation?

Thyroid function tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of fecal incontinence?

Fecal impaction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fecal incontinence occurs when the person has no awareness of defecation?

Passive incontinence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main recommendation for managing fecal impaction?

Laxatives and enemas Signup and view all the answers

What are the neurogenic causes of fecal incontinence?

Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, and stroke Signup and view all the answers

What is a red flag for cauda equina syndrome?

Acute onset fecal incontinence and sensory loss in lower limbs Signup and view all the answers

What is the second most common cause of fecal incontinence?

Neurogenic causes Signup and view all the answers

Which comorbidities are associated with fecal incontinence?

Parkinson's disease, stroke, and dementia Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important factor to consider when beginning a conversation about fecal incontinence?

"Accidental bowel leakage" terminology preference of the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended initial management for fecal incontinence?

"Lifestyle and behavioral interventions" Signup and view all the answers

"Incontinence pads should be used..."

...in cases where FI cannot be improved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of management for fecal impaction?

Treatment with laxatives and enemas. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when probing further if a patient mentions diarrhea?

Further investigation for underlying causes of diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers