St Paul University Iloilo

Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City

College of Nursing

Case Study/Quiz - Fecal Elimination

Midterm

Name: Tanalgo, kreigel Sach D.

Section: BSN 1-D

Instructions: Answer the questions extensively and concisely. If possible support your
answers and do not forget to include your references. Answer each question in not less
than 5 sentences. (15 points)

Case Scenario:

You are the nurse in the student health center on the university campus. Ms W., a
freshman student, comes into the center 2 weeks into her first semester complaining of
abdominal pain and states “I don’t feel good—there is something wrong with my
stomach.”

Questions:
1. You identify a nursing diagnosis of constipation for this patient. Based on the patient
information, identify the defining characteristics and related factors that validate this
diagnosis. Answer extensively.

Patient experiencing abdominal pain, decreased frequency of defecation, hard and

formed stools, pain during defecation, nausea and headache are common signs of
constipation. Ms. W. also stated that her stomach is bloated or distended which a
characteristic of constipation. It could be caused by insufficient fiber and fluid intake or
activity/mobility. Depression and other emotional disturbances as a student could also
lead to constipation.
2. Ms W. tells the nurse, “My stomach is so bloated—I can’t even button my jeans.”
What further questions should you ask to focus on bowel functioning?

Questions that could lead to important informations like:

How often do you move your bowels?

Can you describe your stool? Is it smaller and dryer?

Have you noticed any change in your bowel habits?

Do you feel that you emptied your bowels entirely after you go to the toilet?

3. Upon discharge, Ms. W. needs teaching on how to promote regular defecation.

Discuss the key points that need to be taught to ensure a healthy bowel routine. Answer
extensively.

Patient must initiate in a regular exercise regimen as exercise helps constipation

through lowering the amount of time the food takes to move through the large intestine.

Patient must increase fluid intake and must not be less than 1 liters a day as fluid and
fiber work together for a healthy bowel habits.

Patient must defecate regularly and preferably at the same time each day to help the
body keep a pattern of eliminating stool.

Increase intake of high-fiber foods as dietary fiber increases the size and softens the
stool. A bulky stool is easier to pass and it decreases the chance of having constipation.

Avoid ignoring the urge to defecate as it can result to the body reabsorbing the stool,
became harden and could lead to impaction.

Reference/s:

Kozier and Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing 10 th Edition

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