Establish a regular pattern for bowel care; for example, after breakfast every other day, place patient on commode chair and allow patient to remain upright for 30 minutes for maximum response; then clean anal area. Following a routine encourages regular physiologic function.- Monitor and record incontinent episodes; keep baseline record for 3 to 7 days to track effectiveness of toileting routine.
- Discuss bowel care routine with family or caregiver to foster compliance.
Demonstrate bowel care routine to family or caregiver to reduce anxiety from lack of knowledge or involvement in care.- Arrange for return demonstration of bowel care routine to help establish therapeutic relationship with patient and family or caregiver.
- Establish a date when family or caregiver will carry out bowel care routine with supportive assistance; this will ensure that patient receives dependable care.
- Instruct family or caregiver on need to regulate foods and fluids that cause diarrhea or constipation to encourage helpful nutritional habits.
- Maintain diet log to identify irritating foods and then eliminate them from patient's diet.
Clean and dry perianal area after each incontinent episode to prevent infection and promote comfort.- Maintain patient's dignity by using protective padding under clothing, by removing patient from group activity after incontinent episode, and by cleaning and returning patient to group without undue attention. These measures prevent odor, skin breakdown, and embarrassment and promote patient's positive self-image.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Bowel Incontinence Care; Bowel Management; Perineal Care; Skin Surveillance |