1. Promoting a Healthy Bowel
Delivered by:
The Continence Advisory Service
Ashfield Community Hospital
Portland Street
Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Notts NG17 7AE

2. Aims & Objectives
The aims of this module to enable learners to identify:
Anatomy of the Bowel
What is Normal?
Promoting a Healthy Bowel Function
Signs of Constipation
Causes of Constipation

3. Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract

4. What is Normal?
Frequency of bowel actions: 3 times a day to 3 times a week is normal.
The stool should be firm, but soft and easily passed.
The colour of the stool should be brown in colour.
It is normal for the stool to have an odour.

5. Bristol Stool Scale

6. Changes in routine can affect the bowels
Travel
Exercise
Work
Fluid intake
Diet
Drugs
Environment

7. Promoting a healthy bowel habit
What time does the individual usually open their bowels
Prompt individuals who may not be aware of their needs, 20 to 30 minutes after eating
Try not to delay responding to the need to pass faeces.

8. Privacy Patient involvement & consent Maintain privacy & dignity
Remember they may be aware of making noise or smell
Ensure toilet paper is available
Hand washing facilities available
Give assistance as required with clothing & hygiene

9. Diet Regular meals Fibre content, 5 portions fruit & vegetables a day
Types of food
Remember dentures or the condition of teeth is important to aid chewing and digestion

10. Fluid Intake 1 to 2 litres of fluid a day
Ensure drinks are at right temperature
Individual choice, favourite drinks, time to have them
Drinking vessel, mugs cups and beakers

11. Correct position on the toilet

12. Correct position on the toilet

13. Signs of Constipation

14. Causes of Constipation
Drugs
Poor Diet
Poor Fluid intake
Immobility
Ignoring the need to empty your bowels
Underlying disorders

15. Treating Constipation
Promote a healthy bowel habit to avoid it occurring in the first place
Good record keeping and documentation
Doctor may prescribe a laxative
Encourage activity
Increase fluid and dietary fibre intake

16. Faecal Incontinence High incidence in older people in long term care
One of the most common causes is constipation
Often more embarrassing and distressing
Increases risks of skin breakdown.

17. Faecal incontinence
Keep the skin clean & dry to reduce risk of skin breakdown & urinary tract infections
Containment products if worn need checking regularly as formed faeces won’t change the wetness indicator
Apply barrier creams sparingly if containment products used

18. Summary Promote a healthy bowel habit
Encourage a well balanced diet & plenty of fluids
Encourage activity
Good record keeping to ensure constipation is reported