solid waste products that have reached the distal end of the colon and are ready for excretion
Feces
veins the become abnormally distended in the rectum
Hemorrhoids
the process of bowel elimination; a bowel movement
Defecation
intestinal gas
Flatus
technique of bearing down
Valsalva Maneuver
passage of more than three loose stools a day
Diarrhea
dry, hard stool; persistently difficult passage of stool; and/or the incomplete passage of stool)
Constipation
build up of stool in the colon
Fecal Impaction
involuntary or inappropriate passing of stool or flatus
Fecal Icontinence
the temporary stoppage of peristalsis normally lasts 24-48 hours after direct manipulation of the bowel during abdominal surgery; during this time, food and fluids are withheld
Paralytic Ileus
blood that is hidden in the stool specimen or cannot be seen on gross examination
Occult Blood
direct visual examination of body organs or cavities
Endoscopy
2 kinds of drugs used to induce emptying of the intestinal tract; this one exerts a stronger effect on the intestines than the other
Cathartics
2 kinds of drugs used to induce emptying of the intestinal tract; often used to empty the intestinal tract in preparation for surgery or diagnostic tests
Laxatives
excessive formation of gases in the stomach or intestines
Flatulence
a conical or oval solid substance shaped for easy insertion into a body cavity and designated to melt at body temperature
Suppository
inability of the anal sphincter to control the discharge of fecal and gaseous material
Bowel Incontinence
program with the purpose to manipulate factors within the person's control (food and fluid intake, exercise, time for defecation) to produce the elimination of a soft, formed stool at regular intervals without a laxative
Bowel Training Program
part of a ostomy that is attached to the skin and formed by suturing the mucosa to the skin
Stoma
a typy of ostomy that allows liquid fecal content from the ileum of the small intestine to be eliminated through the stoma
Ileostomy
a type of ostomy that permits formed feces in the colon to exit through the stoma
Colostomy
introduction of a solution into the large intestine, usually to remove feces
Enema
external opening of the large intestine through which feces pass
Anus
feces, once excreted
Stool
contractions of the circular and longitudinal muscles of the intestine