NURS215 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Gastrointestinal Tract, Psyllium, Sigmoid Colon
12 Jul 2018
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} major functions: re-absorption of water (simple columnar cells) (cid:858)host flora(cid:859) =vit b & k sy(cid:374)thesis. Increased transition time = increased re-absorption of water! i. e. constipation; obstruction. Abdominal distention, flatulence, n&v, cramping, difficulty evacuating stool, hard stools, infrequent stools. Decreased mobility; elderly; dehydration; low fibre diet; drug side effects. Abdominal assessment: auscultation, palpation, percussion, do stool assessment as well (assess the stool) } 1)bulk forming pull water into stool; add size to stool i. e. metamucil (psyllium) = fibre = increases bulk & pulls in water. } 2) softeners pulls water & fat into stool i. e. colace (docusate sodium) } 3) saline & osmotic pull water into stool. Acts fast 1-3 hrs!!!!!! i. e. milk of magnesia; lactulose. } 4) stimulants irritants - increase peristalsis i. e. dulcolax; senna (exlax; senokot); castor oil. } 5) miscellaneous lubricating i. e. mineral oil; glycerine (pr) Side effects: can cause hypertension due to sodium. Assessment: assess for dehydration and monitor levels of water intake.
