Question

An elderly resident has had a colostomy for many years and recently was admitted to a long-term care facility. The resident had a stroke and is no longer independently able to manage the colostomy. The nursing assistant has to empty the colostomy for the resident. 1. What are common problems with bowel elimination that are often experienced by residents in a health care setting, and what ways can the health care team assist the resident who is having problems with bowel elimination? 2. What observations does the nursing assistant need to report to the nurse when assisting the resident with bowel elimination? 3. The resident has an ostomy. What are the two most common types of ostomies?

Answer 1

ANSWER 1

• Bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhoea and faecal incontinence are common conditions experienced by nursing home residents.

• Pad use and fixed toilet schedule were commonly used method for patients with faecal incontinence.

• Common interventions for residents with constipation were laxatives and enemas, dietary interventions and manual emptying of feces.

• Residents with Diarrhoea can be treated with Loperamide.

• Comfort resident during bowel elimination

ANSWER 2

Carefully observe stool

1) Colour

2) Amount

3) Consistency

4) Presence of blood or mucus

5) Smell

6)Shape and size

7) Complaints of pain or discomfort

ANSWER 3

1) Colostomy

2) Ileostomy