?
Normal process in which our body eliminates (defecation) waste products in the form of feces
Bowel elimination
Motility —> movement
That allows chyme to travel through the small and large intestine through contraction and dilation of smooth muscles (peristalsis)
Normal Defecation
What’s Normal?
Frequency - several times/day to once/week
Minimal effort - NO straining
NO blood; no use of laxatives
If one passes stools
Normal Stool
Factors Affecting Bowel Elimination
* Developmental Stage
Adults
Infant
? - green, black, tarry, sticky, odorless stools
? - golden yellow stools
? - tan stools
Stools tend to be watery d/t immature large intestine… as normal flora (bacteria) develops stools become firmer
Meconium
Breastfeed
Formula-fed
Children
2-3 years age develops ability to control defecation
Requires neural and muscular control as well as conscious effort
Factors Affecting Bowel Elimination cont’d
* Personal & sociocultural factors
Privacy
Stress
* Nutrition, hydration, & activity level
Diet
Supplements
- Calcium (can cause constipation), magnesium, Vitamin C (these 2 loosen stool)
Hydration
- 6-8 eight ounce glasses of fluid/day (1500-2000 mL)
Activity
Factors Affecting Bowel Elimination cont’d
* Medications
Antacids
Aspirin & other NSAIDs
Antibiotics
Iron
Pain Medications
- Opioids (narcotics) slow peristaltic movement and leads to constipation
Factors Affecting Bowel Elimination cont’d
Antimotility Drugs
Laxatives or cathartic
Chemical Stimulants
Chemical Stimulants cont’d
Bulking Agents
Bulking Agents cont’d
* DRUG OF CHOICE FOR TREATMENT OF CONSTIPATION
* Metamucil, Citrucel, FiberCon, psyllium
* Adverse effects: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, dizziness, weakness may be r/t loss of fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Osmotic laxatives
Pregnancy
Stool softeners
Lubricant laxatives
Surgery & Procedures
Anesthesia
- General anesthesia as well as pain medications administered pre & post-op slow motility - constipation
Stress
- Stress caused by the operative process leads to activation of general adaptation syndrome (GAS), autonomic nervous system, and endocrine responses which all lead to slowing down of the peristaltic movements
Surgery & Procedures cont’d
Bowel manipulation during surgery
- Abdominal surgery or pelvic surgeries where bowel is manipulated may lead to paralytic ileus - cessation of peristalsis movement; bowel continues to produce secretions - secretions remain stagnant, cause distention and discomfort, usually these patients end up with an NGT to low-constant or intermittent suction to remove secretions until bowel movements resume
Surgery & Procedures cont’d
Decreased mobility
- r/t pain
Perineal surgery
- Episiotomy… fear of pain or tearing sutures when moving bowels
Surgery & Procedures cont’d
Anal sphincter surgery
- Uncontrolled rectal drainage after surgery
Pathological Conditions
?
food allergies
Pathological Conditions cont’d
Food intolerances
- Difference between food allergy and food intolerance is that food intolerance is ?
specifically linked to the GI system
?
Enzyme lactase deficiency…needed for the breakdown of milk sugar (lactose)
Can mimic a food allergy but it’s not immune-related…sometimes r/t lack of something (enzyme) in our body
Lactose Intolerance
Pathological Conditions cont’d
?
- Areas of the colon that balloon out from increased force on mucosal tissues…happens when colon must repeatedly push highly compacted fecal matter making the muscles work harder thus enlarging the muscles
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis

Assessment of Bowel Elimination
Focused nursing history
> Embarrassment
> Appropriate language that makes patient comfortable
> Ask about any medications, including over-the-counter - especially calcium or iron supplements associated with constipation
Medications that are associated with constipation
Medications that are associated with constipation cont’d