Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, leading to an involuntary passage of stool. This can range from occasionally leaking a small amount of stool and passing gas, to completely losing control of bowel movements.
Home Care Interventions Bowel Incontinence- Assess and teach a bowel management program to support continence.
- Provide clothing that is nonrestrictive, can be manipulated easily for toileting, and can be changed with ease. Avoidance of complicated maneuvers increases the chance of success in toileting programs and decreases the client's risk for embarrassing incontinent episodes.
- Assist the family in arranging care in a way that allows the client to participate in family or favorite activities without embarrassment. Careful planning can both help client retain dignity and maintain integrity of family patterns.
- 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.
- If the client is frequently incontinent, refer for home health aide services to assist with hygiene and skin care.