Subject(s)
Fecal Incontinence/epidemiology , Fecal Incontinence/nursing , Nurse's Role , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Embarrassment , Fecal Incontinence/diagnosis , Fecal Incontinence/diet therapy , Female , Health Impact Assessment , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nurse Specialists , Nursing Assessment , Prevalence , Quality of Life , Risk Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
Defecation is essential to enable us to eliminate waste and keep our bowels functioning. In some individuals, defecation is not possible without an intervention. This might be oral medication, such as laxatives to soften the stool and propel the faeces round the colon, or digital removal of faeces (DRF) by a competent health professional on a regular basis. This article considers who needs DRF, who can carry it out, the ethical and legal implications, and the importance of appropriate bowel care being carried out in all care settings.
Subject(s)
Fecal Impaction/nursing , Feces , Fingers , Humans , State Medicine , United KingdomABSTRACT
Faecal incontinence can be a debilitating, distressing and isolatin condition that affects individuals' quality of life. This article discusses the definition, prevalence and causes of faecal incontinence, emphasises the importance of assessment and examines how this stigmatising condition affects adults. Once a differential diagnosis is made, an appropriate patient-centred treatment plan can be established to improve the individual's symptoms.
Subject(s)
Fecal Incontinence/nursing , Nursing Assessment , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Fecal Incontinence/etiology , Fecal Incontinence/physiopathology , Fecal Incontinence/therapy , Humans , PrevalenceABSTRACT
Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition. This article explores the prevalence, causes, investigation and treatment of it.
Subject(s)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome/nursing , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy , Patient Care Planning , Specialties, Nursing/methods , Humans , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/diagnosisSubject(s)
Guidelines as Topic , Physical Examination , Rectum , Societies, Nursing , Humans , United KingdomABSTRACT
This guided learning unit outlines how national guidelines can support the assessment of bowel function. It discusses the prevalence of bowel disorders, the tools used to collect data for assessment and outlines how to carry out a patient assessment.
Subject(s)
Colonic Diseases/diagnosis , Medical History Taking/methods , Nurse's Role , Nursing Assessment/methods , Physical Examination/nursing , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Colonic Diseases/epidemiology , Colonic Diseases/etiology , Data Collection/methods , Data Collection/standards , Diagnosis, Differential , Diet Records , Feces , Humans , Nursing Assessment/standards , Physical Examination/standards , Prevalence , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Since the development of guidelines for faecal incontinence in adults by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines in June 2007, there now appears to be more of a focus in primary and secondary care on the management patients with faecal incontinence. Faecal incontinence has a devastating effect on peoples quality of life but they often do not seek help due to the embarrassing and taboo nature of the problem. Therefore, it is essential that the healthcare professional who they eventually approach have the skills, knowledge and experience to undertake a thorough clinical assessment, establish a cause, and initiate an individualized management plan. This article discusses the prevalence, definition and guidelines that influence the care given to patients with faecal incontinence. It focuses on the importance of good assessment to establish a differential diagnosis, initial management and then specialist management, including surgical options. Faecal incontinence is a symptom, not a disease, and with good management these symptoms are amenable to treatment.