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Questions and Answers
What is the most common cause of fecal incontinence?
Which condition is NOT listed as a neurogenic cause of fecal incontinence?
What is the definition of passive incontinence?
Which comorbidity is associated with fecal incontinence?
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What is the second most common cause of fecal incontinence after fecal impaction?
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How should older people be informed about fecal incontinence?
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Which population group has a high prevalence of fecal loading leading to fecal incontinence?
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"Seepage" refers to which situation?
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What is the definition of urge incontinence?
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What is functional incontinence?
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What are the common comorbidities associated with fecal incontinence?
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What is important for the older person to understand about fecal incontinence?
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Which of the following is NOT a red flag for cauda equina syndrome?
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What is the preferred antidiarrheal agent for fecal incontinence?
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What is the initial management approach for fecal impaction?
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In cases where fecal incontinence cannot be improved, what should be used according to the text?
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What may improve fecal incontinence, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome?
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What is the medical emergency that requires prompt intervention when the cauda equina becomes compressed?
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What imaging is indicated only if a structural cause is suspected for fecal incontinence?
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Which surgical intervention may be indicated in some cases of fecal incontinence?
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What is important to consider when beginning a conversation about fecal incontinence?
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What are medications for fecal incontinence primarily aimed at?
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What should be used for cases where fecal incontinence cannot be improved?
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Which condition is a red flag for cauda equina syndrome?
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Study Notes
Causes of Fecal Incontinence
- The most common cause of fecal incontinence is fecal impaction.
- The second most common cause of fecal incontinence is diarrhea.
Neurogenic Causes of Fecal Incontinence
- Neurogenic causes of fecal incontinence include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
- However, obesity is NOT listed as a neurogenic cause of fecal incontinence.
Types of Fecal Incontinence
- Passive incontinence is defined as the inability to perceive the sensation of stool in the rectum.
- Urge incontinence is defined as the inability to delay defecation despite a strong urge.
- Functional incontinence is defined as the inability to have a bowel movement in a socially acceptable manner.
Comorbidities Associated with Fecal Incontinence
- Comorbidities associated with fecal incontinence include diabetes, dementia, and depression.
- Older people with fecal incontinence often have comorbidities such as urinary incontinence, falls, and frailty.
Discussing Fecal Incontinence with Older Adults
- Older adults should be informed about fecal incontinence in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner.
- It is important for older adults to understand that fecal incontinence is not a normal part of aging.
Other Key Points
- "Seepage" refers to the involuntary loss of stool after a normal bowel movement.
- Fecal loading, which is common in institutionalized older adults, can lead to fecal incontinence.
- The preferred antidiarrheal agent for fecal incontinence is loperamide.
- The initial management approach for fecal impaction is digital rectal evacuation or manual disimpaction.
- When fecal incontinence cannot be improved, adult diapers or absorbent pads should be used.
- fiber supplements may improve fecal incontinence, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Cauda equina syndrome, which requires prompt intervention, is a medical emergency that occurs when the cauda equina becomes compressed.
- Imaging such as endoanal ultrasound or MRI is indicated only if a structural cause is suspected for fecal incontinence.
- Surgical interventions such as sphincteroplasty may be indicated in some cases of fecal incontinence.
- Medications for fecal incontinence are primarily aimed at regulating bowel habits and improving anal sphincter tone.
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Description
Learn about the three types of fecal incontinence and a clinical tip for managing it. Understand the differences between urge incontinence, passive incontinence, and seepage, and how to communicate effectively with older individuals experiencing fecal incontinence.