1. Assess and teach a bowel management program to support continence.
2. Provide clothing that is nonrestrictive, can be manipulated easily for toileting, and can be changed with ease.
R/ : Avoidance of complicated maneuvers increases the chance of success in toileting programs and decreases the client's risk for embarrassing incontinent episodes.
3. Assist the family in arranging care in a way that allows the client to participate in family or favorite activities without embarrassment.
R/ : Careful planning can both help client retain dignity and maintain integrity of family patterns.
4. If the client is limited to bed (or bed and chair), provide a commode or bedpan that can be easily accessed. If necessary, refer the client to physical therapy services to learn side transfers and to build strength for transfers.
5. If the client is frequently incontinent, refer for home health aide services to assist with hygiene and skin care.
Client / Family Teaching
1. Teach the client and family to perform a bowel reeducation program; scheduled, stimulated program; or other strategies to manage fecal incontinence.
2. Teach the client and family about common dietary sources of fiber, as well as supplemental fiber or bulking agents as indicated.
3. Refer the family to support services to assist with in-home management of fecal incontinence as indicated.
4. Teach nursing colleagues and nonprofessional care providers the importance of providing toileting opportunities and adequate privacy for the patient in an acute or long term care facility.
Refer to nursing diagnoses Diarrhea and Constipation for detailed management of these related conditions.
