Fecal Incontinence

• What is fecal incontinence?

  Involuntary passage of stool
• What are common causes of fecal incontinence?


  Comorbidity, secondary to fecal impaction, and confusion
• What is fecal impaction?

  Hard stool stuck in the rectum
• What treatment might be needed for fecal impaction?

  Digital disimpaction
• What are the diagnostics for fecal incontinence?

  Health history, physical examination, DRE
• What does DRE stand for in diagnostics?

  Digital rectal examination
• What is the purpose of flexible sigmoidoscopy?

  To examine the lower part of the colon
• What are the treatment options for fecal incontinence?

  • Address underlying cause
  • Dietary changes, antidiarrheal agents for non-infectious diarrhea
  • Manual disimpaction, lubricants, cleansing enemas for fecal impaction
  • High-fiber diet, increased fluid intake for prevention
• Why is maintaining skin integrity important in fecal incontinence management?

  To prevent skin breakdown and irritation
• What should be assessed in nursing management for fecal incontinence?

  Bowel habits and symptoms
• What is a key component of nursing management for fecal incontinence?

  Implementing bowel training programs
• What is an important aspect of patient education in fecal incontinence?

  Proper perianal care
• What should be done if fecal incontinence is related to non-infectious diarrhea?

  Use antidiarrheal agents
• What dietary changes can help prevent fecal incontinence?

  High-fiber diet and increased fluid intake