Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the consistency of stool primarily depend on?
What does the consistency of stool primarily depend on?
Which color of stool is indicative of possible liver or gallbladder dysfunction?
Which color of stool is indicative of possible liver or gallbladder dysfunction?
What might long, thin, pencil-like stools suggest?
What might long, thin, pencil-like stools suggest?
What does the presence of fresh red blood in stool generally indicate?
What does the presence of fresh red blood in stool generally indicate?
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What is the average daily amount of stool typically passed by individuals?
What is the average daily amount of stool typically passed by individuals?
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What can increased peristalsis lead to regarding stool characteristics?
What can increased peristalsis lead to regarding stool characteristics?
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What is an abnormal stool odour often associated with?
What is an abnormal stool odour often associated with?
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What does a decrease in stool frequency indicate?
What does a decrease in stool frequency indicate?
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What is the primary component that affects stool shape?
What is the primary component that affects stool shape?
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Which condition may cause separate hard lumps in the stool?
Which condition may cause separate hard lumps in the stool?
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What does the presence of pus in stool most likely indicate?
What does the presence of pus in stool most likely indicate?
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What does floating stool typically suggest?
What does floating stool typically suggest?
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Which type of odour is associated with melena?
Which type of odour is associated with melena?
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What does a putrid odour in stool suggest?
What does a putrid odour in stool suggest?
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What is suggested by the presence of undigested food in stool?
What is suggested by the presence of undigested food in stool?
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Which characteristic is typical of a stool that indicates it is less dense?
Which characteristic is typical of a stool that indicates it is less dense?
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What condition is indicated by a black stool?
What condition is indicated by a black stool?
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What might be the underlying cause of acid odour in stool?
What might be the underlying cause of acid odour in stool?
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What should be investigated if segments of tapeworms are found in stool?
What should be investigated if segments of tapeworms are found in stool?
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Flashcards
Flatus
Flatus
Gaseous discharge that accompanies bowel movement with a strong odour.
Stool Density
Stool Density
Stool consistency, measured by the weight of waste products in relation to water.
Floating Stools
Floating Stools
A condition where stools float in water, often indicating undigested fats.
Putrid Odour
Putrid Odour
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Sweet-smelling Stool
Sweet-smelling Stool
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Acidic Odour
Acidic Odour
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Pus or Mucus in Stool
Pus or Mucus in Stool
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Undigested food in Stool
Undigested food in Stool
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Enterorrhagia
Enterorrhagia
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Melena
Melena
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Frequency of Stool Elimination
Frequency of Stool Elimination
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Consistency of Stool
Consistency of Stool
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Amount of Stool
Amount of Stool
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Stool Color
Stool Color
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Grey Colored Stool (Acholic Stool)
Grey Colored Stool (Acholic Stool)
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Dark, Black, or Tarry Stool (Melena)
Dark, Black, or Tarry Stool (Melena)
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Bright Red Blood in the Stool (Enterorrhagia)
Bright Red Blood in the Stool (Enterorrhagia)
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Yellow or Greenish Stool
Yellow or Greenish Stool
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Shape of Stool
Shape of Stool
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Odor of Stool
Odor of Stool
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Study Notes
Stool Assessment for Nursing
- Frequency and Regularity: Nurse observes how often and regularly the patient eliminates stool. Some individuals eliminate stool once to twice daily, others twice or three times weekly.
- Consistency: Stool firmness/density. Influenced by diet, fluid intake, and peristalsis speed. Normal stool is soft and formed. Decreased peristalsis results in hard, dry stools; Increased peristalsis results in liquid, unformed stools.
- Amount: Varies with diet. Average is 60-300g per day.
- Color: Typically yellowish-brown due to bile. Changes in color may indicate issues.
- Grey (acholic): Lack of bile, suggesting liver, gallbladder, or bile duct problems.
- Dark/Black/Tarry (melena): Presence of digested blood, indicating upper GI bleeding (e.g., ulcers) or swallowed blood.
- Bright Red (enterorrhagia): Lower GI bleeding (e.g., hemorrhoids, rectal/colon cancer).
- Yellow/Greenish: Abnormal microorganisms, likely infection.
- Shape: Generally round, oval, or cylindrical; reflects colon shape. Abnormalities (e.g., pencil-like shape) may indicate narrowed rectum or anal opening, possibly tumor. Hard, lump-like stools suggest dehydration.
- Odor: Characteristic but can change with medications, strong foods, or abnormal microorganisms.
- Acidic: Some diarrheal conditions.
- Sweet: Melena (digested blood).
- Putrid: Dyspepsia (indigestion).
- Density: Normally sinks in water. Floaters indicate undigested fats (oily appearance).
- Abnormal Components: Presence of specific components can indicate issues.
- Pus/Mucus: Inflammation or infection.
- Undigested Food: Digestive issues.
- Fresh Blood: Lower GI bleeding.
- Black Stool: Upper GI or nasogastric bleeding.
- Parasites: Tapeworms or segments.
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Description
This quiz covers key aspects of stool assessment relevant for nursing practice. It includes factors such as frequency, consistency, amount, and color of stool. Understanding these attributes is crucial for identifying potential health issues in patients.