Treatments for Fecal incontinence
Treatments for Fecal incontinence
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Fecal incontinence
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Diet changes
- Medications
- Bowel training
- Surgery - various surgeries are appropriate if the incontinence is
- Caused by physical problems with the pelvic floor or anal area
- Simple surgeries - repairing obvious damage
- Artificial anal sphincter surgery
- Anal muscle replacement surgery
- Colostomy
- Antipropulsive drugs
- Kegel exercises
- Colostomy
- Stimulated graciloplasty
- Artificial anal sphincter
- Sacral nerve stimulation
- Avoid spicy food
Fecal incontinence: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Fecal incontinence may include:
Hidden causes of Fecal incontinence may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Fecal incontinence: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Fecal incontinence:
Fecal incontinence: Research Doctors & Specialists
- Urinary & Bladder Specialists (Urology):
- Kidney Health Specialists (Nephrology):
- Digestive Health Specialists (Gastroenterology):
- more specialists...»
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Latest treatments for Fecal incontinence:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Fecal incontinence:
Hospital statistics for Fecal incontinence:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Fecal incontinence:
- 0.016% (2,051) of hospital consultant episodes were for faecal incontinence in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 96% of hospital consultant episodes for faecal incontinence required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 29% of hospital consultant episodes for faecal incontinence were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 71% of hospital consultant episodes for faecal incontinence were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Fecal incontinence
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Fecal incontinence:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Fecal incontinence,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Fecal incontinence:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Fecal incontinence:
Discussion of treatments for Fecal incontinence:
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of fecal incontinence; it
may include dietary changes, medication, bowel training, or surgery. More
than one treatment may be necessary for successful control since
continence is a complicated chain of events.
Dietary Changes
Food affects the consistency of stool and how quickly it passes through
the digestive system. One way to help control fecal incontinence in some
persons is to eat foods that add bulk to stool, making it less watery and
easier to control. Also, avoid foods that contribute to the problem. They
include foods and drinks containing caffeine, like coffee, tea, and
chocolate, which relax the internal anal sphincter muscle. Another
approach is to eat foods low in fiber to decrease the work of the anal
sphincters. Fruit can act as a natural laxative and should be eaten
sparingly.
You can adjust what and how you eat to help manage fecal
incontinence.
- Keep a food diary. List what you eat, how much you eat, and
when you have an incontinent episode. After a few days, you may begin to
see a pattern between certain foods and incontinence. After you identify
foods that seem to cause problems, cut back on them and see whether
incontinence improves. Foods that typically cause diarrhea, and so
should probably be avoided, include
- caffeine
- cured or smoked meat like sausage, ham, or turkey
- spicy foods
- alcohol
- dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream
- fruits like apples, peaches, or pears
- fatty and greasy foods
- sweeteners, like sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and fructose, which
are found in diet drinks, sugarless gum and candy, chocolate, and
fruit juices
- Eat smaller meals more frequently. In some people, large
meals cause bowel contractions that lead to diarrhea. You can still eat
the same amount of food in a day, but space it out by eating several
small meals.
- Eat and drink at different times. Liquid helps move food
through the digestive system. So if you want to slow things down, drink
something half an hour before or after meals, but not with the meals.
- Eat more fiber. Fiber makes stool soft, formed, and easier to
control. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, like those
listed below .
You'll need to eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, but add it to your
diet slowly so your body can adjust. Too much fiber all at once can
cause bloating, gas, or even diarrhea. Also, too much insoluble, or
undigestible, fiber can contribute to diarrhea. So if you find that
eating more fiber makes your diarrhea worse, try cutting back to two
servings each of fruits and vegetables and removing skins and seeds from
your food.
- Eat foods that make stool bulkier. Foods that contain
soluble, or digestible, fiber slow the emptying of the bowels. Examples
are bananas, rice, tapioca, bread, potatoes, applesauce, cheese, smooth
peanut butter, yogurt, pasta, and oatmeal.
- Get plenty to drink. You need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses
of liquid a day to help prevent dehydration and to keep stool soft and
formed. Water is a good choice, but avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol,
milk, or carbonation if you find that they trigger
diarrhea.
Over time, diarrhea can rob you of vitamins and minerals. Ask your
doctor if you need a vitamin supplement.
What Foods Have Fiber?Examples of foods that have fiber
include |
| Breads, cereals, and beans |
fiber |
| 1/2 cup of black-eyed peas, cooked |
4 grams |
| 1/2 cup of kidney beans, cooked |
5.5 grams |
| 1/2 cup of lima beans, cooked |
4.5 grams |
Whole-grain cereal, cold
- 1/2 cup of All-Bran
- 3/4 cup of Total
- 3/4 cup of Post Bran Flakes
|
10 grams
3 grams
5 grams
|
| 1 packet of whole-grain cereal, hot (oatmeal, Wheatena) |
3 grams |
| 1 slice of whole-wheat or multigrain bread |
3 grams |
| Fruits |
| 1 medium apple |
4 grams |
| 1 medium peach |
2 grams |
| 1/2 cup of raspberries |
4 grams |
| 1 medium tangerine |
3 grams |
| Vegetables |
| 1 cup of acorn squash, raw |
2 grams |
| 1 medium stalk of broccoli, raw |
4 grams |
| 5 brussels sprouts, raw |
3 grams |
| 1 cup of cabbage, raw |
2 grams |
| 1 medium carrot, raw |
2 grams |
| 1 cup of cauliflower, raw |
2 grams |
| 1 cup of spinach, cooked |
2 grams |
| 1 cup of zucchini, raw |
2 grams |
Source: USDA/ARS Nutrient Data Laboratory
Medication
If diarrhea is causing the incontinence, medication may help. Sometimes
doctors recommend using bulk laxatives to help people develop a more
regular bowel pattern. Or the doctor may prescribe antidiarrheal medicines
such as loperamide or diphenoxylate to slow down the bowel and help
control the problem.
Bowel Training
Bowel training helps some people relearn how to control their bowels.
In some cases, it involves strengthening muscles; in others, it means
training the bowels to empty at a specific time of day.
- Use biofeedback. Biofeedback is a way to strengthen and
coordinate the muscles and has helped some people. Special computer
equipment measures muscle contractions as you do exercises--called Kegel
exercises--to strengthen the rectum. These exercises work muscles in the
pelvic floor, including those involved in controlling stool. Computer
feedback about how the muscles are working shows whether you're doing
the exercises correctly and whether the muscles are getting stronger.
Whether biofeedback will work for you depends on the cause of your fecal
incontinence, how severe the muscle damage is, and your ability to do
the exercises.
- Develop a regular pattern of bowel movements. Some
people--particularly those whose fecal incontinence is caused by
constipation--achieve bowel control by training themselves to have bowel
movements at specific times during the day, such as after every meal.
The key to this approach is persistence--it may take a while to develop
a regular pattern. Try not to get frustrated or give up if it doesn't
work right away.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for people whose fecal incontinence is caused
by injury to the pelvic floor, anal canal, or anal sphincter. Various
procedures can be done, from simple ones like repairing damaged areas, to
complex ones like attaching an artificial anal sphincter or replacing anal
muscle with muscle from the leg or forearm. People who have severe fecal
incontinence that doesn't respond to other treatments may decide to have a
colostomy, which involves removing a portion of the bowel. The remaining
part is then either attached to the anus if it still works properly, or to
a hole in the abdomen called a stoma, through which stool leaves the body
and is collected in a pouch.
What To Do About Anal Discomfort
The skin around the anus is delicate and sensitive. Constipation
and diarrhea or contact between skin and stool can cause pain or
itching. Here's what you can do to relieve discomfort:
- Wash the area with water, but not soap, after a bowel
movement. Soap can dry out the skin, making discomfort worse. If
possible, wash in the shower with lukewarm water or use a sitz
bath. Or try a no-rinse skin cleanser. Try not to use toilet paper
to clean up--rubbing with dry toilet paper will only irritate the
skin more. Premoistened, alcohol-free towelettes are a better
choice.
- Let the area air dry after washing. If you don't have time,
gently pat yourself dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Use a moisture barrier cream, which is a protective cream to
help prevent skin irritation from direct contact with stool.
However, talk to your health care professional before you try anal
ointments and creams because some have ingredients that can be
irritating. Also, you should clean the area well first to avoid
trapping bacteria that could cause further problems. Your health
care professional can recommend an appropriate cream or
ointment.
- Try using nonmedicated talcum powder or corn starch to relieve
anal discomfort.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose clothes that "breathe." Tight
clothes that block air can worsen anal problems. Change soiled
underwear as soon as possible.
- If you use pads or diapers, make sure they have an absorbent
wicking layer on top. Products with a wicking layer protect the
skin by pulling stool and moisture away from the skin and into the
pad.
|
(Source: excerpt from
Fecal Incontinence: NIDDK)
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Constipation:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- If history, physical, and evaluation are all negative, a series of lifestyle modifications and conservative treatments are indicated
–Increase fiber and fluid intake
–Exercise
–Avoid causative medications
–Saline cathartics: Magnesium-containing compounds
and phosphate enemas work by osmotic effect; avoid in renal insufficiency; for acute cases only
–Hyperosmotic nonabsorbing sugars (e.g., lactulose) may be used for long-term management and are less toxic
–Lavage solutions may be used for refractory constipation and impactions
–Enemas: Low volume tap water or sodium phosphate (FLEET) may be used for severe constipation
–A combination of suppositories (glycerin or bisaccodyl) and enemas (phosphate) will soften impactions; however, digital disimpaction may be necessary
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Incontinence:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treat reversible causes appropriately (e.g., antibiotics for UTI, discontinue offending medications)
-
Stress incontinence
–Pelvic exercises (Kegel's) or electrical stimulation
–α-adrenergic medications to increase urethral tone
–Local estrogen replacement treatment
–Pessaries prevent urine loss during stress maneuvers
–Surgical therapy may be indicated
Urge incontinence
–Estrogen replacement therapy (local or oral)
–Medications include oxybutynin and tolteridine
-
Overflow incontinence
–Improve bladder contractility
–Remove outlet obstruction (enlarged prostate, defects in penis, prolapsed uterus or urethra)
–Neuropathic conditions may require intermittent
catheterization to improve symptoms
Functional incontinence
–Remove physical mobility barriers
'>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Diarrhea - Acute:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treatment is generally supportive
-
Fluid resuscitation (oral, if possible, or IV)
-
Antimotility agents: Opiates (e.g., loperamide) and parasympathetic inhibitors (e.g., diphenoxylate plus atropine); former concerns that these agents may slow the clearance of pathogens have been disproved
- Antibiotic therapy is reserved for severe disease
–Most authorities recommend empiric treatment with a fluoroquinolone or trimethoprin-sulfamethoxasole in patients with severe or bloody diarrhea, fever, or fecal leukocytes
–If Giardia, C. difficile, or E. histolytica is suspected, treat empirically with metronidazole
–Antibiotic therapy increases the risk of hemolytic-uremic syndrome in children with E. coli O157:H7
–There is no good evidence that antibiotics prolong the carrier state in Salmonella infections
- Advise patient to hydrate with glucose-containing, caffeine-free beverages, and to avoid lactose, sorbitol-containing gum, and raw fruit until symptoms subside
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Diarrhea - Chronic:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Fluid resuscitation: Oral, if possible, or IV (e.g., normal saline or lactated Ringer's)
-
Nonspecific antidiarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide, codeine, tincture of opium) and fiber supplementation may be attempted initially
-
Diabetic neuropathy: Control blood sugar, metoclopramide may be used
-
Irritable bowel syndrome: High-fiber diet, anticholinergics
-
Inflammatory bowel disease is treated with steroids for acute exacerbations and daily prophylactic therapy with 5-aminosalicyclic agents
–Bowel resection may be necessary
-
Lactose intolerance: Lactose-free diet
-
Diseases of malabsorption: Gluten-free diet, long-term antibiotics
-
Intestinal neoplasm: Consultation with gastroenterology, oncology, and/or surgery
>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Constipation:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Functional constipation
–Parental education and demystification of the process of normal defecation
–Disimpaction with oral laxatives, senna, magnesium citrate, enemas
–Maintenance stool softeners for 6–12 months, osmotic agents such as lactulose, polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax), mineral oil, milk of magnesia, Mylanta
–Dietary manipulations: Increase fluid intake and increase dietary fiber (14 g/1,000 cal required)
-
Cessation of offending drugs when possible
-
Correction of electrolyte disturbance
-
Treatment of endocrinologic disease
-
Hirschsprung disease is treated by surgical resection of agangliotic segment with subsequent reanastomosis
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Chronic, No Blood or Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treatment is directed at cause
-
Chronic nonspecific diarrhea
–Restriction of fluid intake to <90 mL/kg/day
–Reduction of fruit juices (<8 ounces/day)
–Elimination of sorbitol-containing juices
-
Carbohydrate malabsorption
–Trial elimination or reduction of offending sugar
–Lactase (Lactaid) for lactose intolerance
–Sucrase (Sucraid) for sucrase-isomaltase deficiency
-
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
–Antibiotic therapy with metronidazole alone or in combination with ampicillin or Bactrim
–Surgery for partial small bowel obstruction
-
Low-fat diet: Increase fat intake to approximately 40% of total daily calorie intake
-
Irritable bowel syndrome
–Anticholinergic therapy or antidepressants
-
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Zinc supplements
>>>>> >>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Chronic, with Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Correct malnourished states
-
IBD: Anti-inflammatories (e.g., steroids, 6MP, 5ASA)
-
CD: Lifelong gluten-free diet
-
CF: Pancreatic enzyme and nutritional supplements including fat-soluble vitamins (ADEK)
-
Allergy: Food antigen avoidance
-
Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency: “Sucraid” enzyme
-
Neural crest tumors: Surgical resections
-
VIPoma: Somatostatin
-
Gastrinoma: Proton pump inhibitors
-
Whipple disease: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
-
Abetalipoprotenemia: No specific treatment
–Supplements of fat-soluble vitamins and MCT oil
-
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Zinc supplements
-
Giardiasis: Metronidazole or nitazoxamide
-
Hyperalimentation: Parenteral nutrition may be needed for familial enteropathies
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Acute:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Mainstay of treatment is rehydration to correct fluid and electrolyte deficits
–Oral route is best in mildly to moderately dehydrated
children who can tolerate PO fluid
–IV fluids: Useful in severe to moderate dehydration
–Estimate fluid deficit using % of weight loss, and add
this to maintenance requirement and ongoing losses
– Correct over 24–48 hours
-
Antibiotics
–Not necessary in most cases, can precipitate HUS
–Indicated for V. cholerae, Shigella, and G. lamblia
–Indicated in selected circumstances: Salmonella in very young infant, if febrile, or positive blood culture
–Metronidazole for C. difficile (if antibiotic elimination doesn’t help)
-
Refeeding: No benefit to withholding milk, incidence of lactose intolerance overstated
-
Probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus for rotavirus
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Constipation:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Caution the patient not to strain during defecation to prevent injuring rectoanal tissue. Instruct him to avoid using laxatives or enemas. If he has been abusing these products, begin to wean him from them. Use a disposable glove and lubricant to remove impacted fecal contents. (Check if an oil-retention enema can be given first to soften the fecal mass.)
Stress the importance of a high-fiber diet, and encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids. (Explain that he may experience temporary bloating or flatulence after adding fiber to his diet.) Also, encourage him to exercise at least 1½ hours each week, if possible.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Diarrhea:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient’s diarrhea is profuse, check for signs of shock—tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, pale, clammy skin. If you detect these signs, place the patient in the supine position and elevate his legs 20 degrees. Insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Monitor the patient for electrolyte imbalances, and look for an irregular pulse, muscle weakness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Keep emergency resuscitation equipment handy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Chronic constipation:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Effective treatment varies with the patient’s age and condition and depends on the cause. A diet high in fiber, sufficient exercise, and increased fluid intake should relieve constipation. (See Breaking the constipation habit.)
Treatment for severe constipation may include bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, or well-lubricated glycerin suppositories; for fecal impaction, manual removal of stool is necessary. Administration of an oil-retention enema usually precedes stool removal; an enema is also necessary afterward. For lasting relief of constipation, the patient with inactive colon must modify his bowel habits.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Diarrhea:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Administer an analgesic for pain and an opioid to decrease intestinal motility, unless the patient has a possible or confirmed stool infection. Ensure the patient’s privacy during defecation, and empty bedpans promptly. Clean the perineum thoroughly, and apply ointment to prevent skin breakdown.
ALERT: Excessive diarrhea may cause skin breakdown and excoriation. To decrease excoriation and facilitate drainage measurement, insert a rectal tube or large indwelling catheter.
Help the patient maintain adequate hydration, administering I.V. fluid replacements. Measure liquid stools, and weigh the patient daily. Monitor electrolyte levels and hematocrit.
Quantify the amount of liquid stool and carefully observe intake and output.
Patient teaching
Explain the purpose of diagnostic tests to the patient. These tests may include blood studies, stool cultures, X-rays, and endoscopy.
Advise the patient to avoid spicy or high-fiber foods (such as fruits), caffeine, high-fat foods, and milk. Suggest smaller, more frequent meals if he has had GI surgery or disease. If appropriate, teach the patient stress-reducing exercises, such as guided imagery and deep-breathing techniques, or recommend counseling.
Stress the need for medical follow-up to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (particularly ulcerative colitis), who have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Constipation:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Caution the patient not to strain during defecation to prevent injuring rectoanal tissue. Instruct him to avoid using laxatives or enemas. If he has been abusing these products, begin to wean him from them. Use a disposable glove and lubricant to remove impacted fecal contents. (Check if an oil-retention enema can be given first to soften the fecal mass.)
Stress the importance of a high-fiber diet, and encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids. (Explain that he may experience temporary bloating or flatulence after adding fiber to his diet.) Also, encourage him to exercise at least 1½ hours each week, if possible.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Diarrhea:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient’s diarrhea is profuse, check for signs of shock, including tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, pale, clammy skin. If you detect these signs, place the patient in the supine position and elevate his legs 20 degrees. Insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Monitor patient for electrolyte imbalances, and look for an irregular pulse, muscle weakness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Keep emergency resuscitation equipment handy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urinary incontinence:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
To prevent stress incontinence, teach the patient Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. If appropriate, teach the patient self-catheterization techniques. Reassure your patient that episodes of incontinence don’t signal a failure of the program. Encourage him to maintain a persistent, tolerant attitude.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Constipation:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as proctosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema, plain abdominal films, and an upper GI series.
▪ If the patient is on bed rest, reposition him frequently, and help him perform active or passive exercises, as indicated.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient abdominal toning exercises if his abdominal muscles are weak.
▪ Teach relaxation techniques to help him reduce stress.
▪ Encourage the patient to avoid straining.
▪ Stress the importance of a high fiber diet and encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids.
▪ Discuss the importance of regular exercise and avoidance of chronic use of laxatives or enemas.
▪ Explain the cause of his constipation and the treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Administer an analgesic for pain and an opiate to decrease intestinal motility, unless the patient has a possible or confirmed stool infection.
▪ Ensure the patient's privacy during defecation, and empty bedpans promptly.
▪ Clean the perineum thoroughly, and apply ointment to prevent skin breakdown.
▪ Note the amount and characteristics of the patient's stool.
▪ Monitor intake and output.
▪ Obtain serum samples for electrolytes and treat imbalances.
▪ Provide fluid replacement orally or I.V., as appropriate.
Patient teaching
▪ Stress the need for medical follow-up to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (particularly ulcerative colitis) who have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
▪ Emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate hydration.
▪ Explain food or fluids that should be avoided.
▪ Discuss stress reduction techniques.
▪ Explain the diagnosis and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Fecal incontinence:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Maintain proper hygienic care, including control of foul odors.
▪ Provide meticulous skin care.
▪ For the neurologically capable patient with chronic incontinence, provide bowel retraining.
▪ Take measures to allay the patient's embarrassment.
▪ Provide emotional support for the patient.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient to perform Kegel exercises to strengthen abdominal and perirectal muscles.
▪ Discuss how to maintain proper hygiene.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urinary incontinence:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as cystoscopy, cystometry, and a complete neurologic workup. Obtain a urine specimen.
▪ Implement a bladder retraining program. (See Correcting incontinence with bladder retraining.)
▪ If the patient's incontinence has a neurologic basis, monitor him for urine retention, which may require periodic catheterizations.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ To prevent stress incontinence, teach the patient how to perform Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
▪ Teach the patient self-catheterization techniques, as appropriate.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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