Bowel care
The bowel care chapter explores two commonly encountered issues that are both explored in depth: these are constipation and incontinence. Both conditions are examined in respect of treatment options that include conservative treatment, treatment with diet, and medication. These conditions can be compared to how defaecation works in health. Additionally there is an in-depth discussion on neurogenic bowel dysfunction related to spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular accident, and Parkinson’s disease. There are many therapies that can be used that have not been explored in other chapters and these will be encompassed within this chapter. Treatment can include manual evacuation for constipation or other therapies such as biofeedback to potentially treat constipation or evacuation disorders. Succinct explanation of gastrointestinal emergencies within this chapter can be used within clinical practice by the nurse.