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Promoting a Healthy Bowel

Delivered by:The Continence Advisory Service

Ashfield Community HospitalPortland Street

Kirkby-in-AshfieldNotts NG17 7AE

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Aims & Objectives

The aims of this module to enable learners to identify:

Anatomy of the Bowel What is Normal? Promoting a Healthy Bowel Function Signs of Constipation Causes of Constipation

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Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract

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What is Normal?

Frequency of bowel actions: 3 times a day to 3 times a week is normal.

The stool should be firm, but soft and easily passed.

The colour of the stool should be brown in colour.

It is normal for the stool to have an odour.

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Bristol Stool Scale

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Changes in routine can affect the bowelsTravelExerciseWorkFluid intake

DietDrugs Environment

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Promoting a healthy bowel habitWhat time does the individual usually open their bowels

Prompt individuals who may not be aware of their needs, 20 to 30 minutes after eating

Try not to delay responding to the need to pass faeces.

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PrivacyPatient involvement & consentMaintain privacy & dignityRemember they may be aware of making noise or smell

Ensure toilet paper is availableHand washing facilities availableGive assistance as required with clothing & hygiene

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Diet

Regular mealsFibre content, 5 portions fruit & vegetables a dayTypes of foodRemember dentures or the condition of teeth is important to aid chewing and digestion

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Fluid Intake

1 to 2 litres of fluid a dayEnsure drinks are at right temperatureIndividual choice, favourite drinks, time to have them

Drinking vessel, mugs cups and beakers

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Correct position on the toilet

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Correct position on the toilet

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Signs of Constipation

LethargyConfusionAggitation

PainD istended stomach

StrainingOverflow

Loss of AppetiteNauseaVomiting

S igns of C onstipation

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Causes of ConstipationDrugsPoor DietPoor Fluid intakeImmobilityIgnoring the need to empty your bowelsUnderlying disorders

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Treating Constipation

Promote a healthy bowel habit to avoid it occurring in the first place

Good record keeping and documentationDoctor may prescribe a laxativeEncourage activityIncrease fluid and dietary fibre intake

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Faecal Incontinence

High incidence in older people in long term careOne of the most common causes is constipationOften more embarrassing and distressing Increases risks of skin breakdown.

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Faecal incontinence

Keep the skin clean & dry to reduce risk of skin breakdown & urinary tract infections

Containment products if worn need checking regularly as formed faeces won’t change the wetness indicator

Apply barrier creams sparingly if containment products used

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Summary

Promote a healthy bowel habitEncourage a well balanced diet & plenty of fluidsEncourage activityGood record keeping to ensure constipation is reported