Faecal elimination

Learning Outcomes: After completing this chapter, you will be able to:- Understand the physiology of defecation- Identify factors that influence faecal elimination and patterns of defecation- Distinguish normal from abnormal characteristics and constituents of faeces- Identify common causes and effects of selected faecal elimination problems- Describe methods used to assess the intestinal tract- Identify examples of nursing diagnoses, outcomes and interventions for persons with elimination problems- Identify measures that maintain normal faecal elimination patterns- Describe the purpose and action of commonly used aperients, suppositories and enema solutions.- Outline principles of faecal stoma care for persons with an ostomy.