HUMAN BODY, CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DISEASE
ASSIGNMENT 3 – BOWEL ELIMINATION
PURPOSE
1. The purpose of Assignment 3 – Bowel Elimination is to introduce students to concepts of
bowel function, elimination, habits, and ostomy care and how that can impact the physical and
psychosocial wellbeing of our patients and clients
ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES
1. Describe and understand the concepts of bowel elimination and function in terms of
recognizing normal patterns of bowel frequency and movements
2. Identify the various factors that can affect bowel movements such as health concerns, diet, and
mobility
3. Describe the measures that can promote a safe and comfortable bowel elimination experience
for clients
4. Understand and describe best practices associated with ostomy care and how that care can be
provided holistically to the patient
PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
1. Plagiarism is defined as “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them
off as your own without appropriate credit” (Oxford Dictionary, 2022)
2. All work presented in this assignment must of the student’s own work
3. Students must not copy other students (past or current students) work and pass that off as their
own assignment
4. Students are able to use the textbook and valid online resources to complete their assignments
MARKING CRITERIA
1. Students are to complete each question in full using acceptable grammar and punctuation
2. All assignments must be typed on a Word or Google document (font size and style is up to the
discretion of the instructor) and submitted via the D2L Brightspace environment as per the
instructor’s direction
3. Allocated marks are presented for each question and students must answer all the sections of
the question for full marks
4. Instructor’s can mark as per their discretion and can award partial marks where warranted
5. The total marks awarded for Assignment 3 – Bowel Elimination for Human Body,
Chronic Illness and Disease is 40 marks
6. The passing mark for this assignment is 70%
HUMAN BODY, CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DISEASE
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ASSIGNMENT 3 - BOWEL ELIMINATION
/40 Marks
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Please read the entire assignment prior to beginning
2. Your task for this assignment is to read the following questions and answer the
corresponding questions below.
3. You may use your textbook and valid online resources to assist you in understanding
the definitions of bowel movement, ostomy care and practice, psychosocial support of
clients in terms of bowel care, etc.
4. The mark for each question is indicated in the parenthesis next to each question
1. Do you ever have difficulty regulating your own bowel elimination? Answer these questions
about how you treat problems with bowel elimination.
Yes, I experienced difficulty regulating my bowel elimination when I traveled to Thailand and
ate local food.
a. (3 marks) What causes you to have problems with bowel elimination? Foods? Illness?
Stress? Inactivity?
Mostly, medications such as antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut,
potentially leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
It can be a combination of factors. Certain foods don't agree with me, especially those that are
high in fat or low in fiber. When I indulge in greasy or spicy meals, it can throw off my
digestion and lead to discomfort.
Illnesses can also disrupt my bowel habits.
Stress is another big one for me. When I'm under a lot of pressure or feeling anxious, it seems
to affect my gut health and make it harder for me to stay regular.
I've noticed that when I'm inactive for too long, like spending hours sitting at my desk without
moving around, it can slow down my bowel movements and make me feel more sluggish.
And of course, staying hydrated is crucial. When I don't drink enough fluids, it can lead to
dehydration and constipation.
(3 marks) What methods have you used to treat problems with bowel elimination? Diet?
Medication?
I've employed various methods to address issues with bowel elimination.
Firstly, I've made adjustments to my diet, incorporating more fiber-rich foods like fruits,
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vegetables, and whole grains to promote regularity and improve digestion.
Additionally, I've been mindful of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout
the day.
When necessary, I've sought medical advice and, if prescribed, used medications to manage
specific symptoms or underlying conditions contributing to bowel issues.
b. (4 marks) How do you feel when problems with bowel elimination occur? What type of
physical discomfort occurs? Emotional distress?
When problems with bowel elimination occur, I often experience a range of physical
discomforts. This includes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and a feeling of fullness or
pressure in my abdomen.
Emotionally, dealing with bowel issues can be tough. It can make me feel frustrated or
anxious, especially if it interferes with my daily life or social activities.
c. (3 marks) How do problems with bowel elimination affect your appetite? Sleep and
rest? Energy level? Mood?
When I experience problems with bowel elimination, it often affects various aspects of my
well-being.
Firstly, it can impact my appetite. Sometimes, I may lose my appetite due to discomfort or
feelings of fullness, while at other times, I might feel hungry but hesitant to eat due to
concerns about exacerbating my symptoms.
In terms of sleep and rest, bowel issues can disrupt my sleep patterns. Discomfort or urgency
to use the bathroom may wake me up during the night, leading to fragmented sleep and
feelings of fatigue during the day. This can create a cycle of poor sleep quality and diminished
energy levels.
Speaking of energy levels, dealing with bowel problems can leave me feeling drained and
fatigued.
Finally, bowel issues can also affect my mood. The discomfort, frustration, and anxiety that
accompany these problems can contribute to mood swings, irritability, or feelings of sadness..
d. (3 marks) What effect does a problem with bowel elimination have on your life? How
does it affect your participation in work and leisure activities?
A problem with bowel elimination can have a significant impact on various aspects of my life.
Firstly, it can affect my ability to participate fully in work-related activities. Dealing with
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discomfort, urgency, or other symptoms during work hours can be distracting and disruptive,
impacting my productivity and focus.
Similarly, bowel issues can affect my participation in leisure activities. Activities that I used to
enjoy may become less enjoyable or even impractical if they exacerbate my symptoms.
This can lead to feelings of frustration or isolation, as I may need to limit or avoid certain
social outings or events.
Overall, dealing with bowel elimination problems can be challenging and can significantly
impact my quality of life.
e. (4 marks) How can you relate your personal experience to the feelings and concerns
of a client you are caring for who has problems with bowel elimination?
I can relate to the feelings and concerns of clients who are experiencing problems with
bowel elimination because I've personally dealt with similar challenges in the past.
I understand how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be to navigate these issues on a daily
basis. It's completely normal to feel worried, embarrassed, or anxious about it.
Having experienced these struggles myself, I can empathize with what they're going
through.
However, I also know that there are ways to manage these symptoms and improve quality
of life.
2. Put yourself in their position of a client who has an ileostomy or a colostomy and answer
the following questions:
a. (4 marks) What problems has the client experienced in learning to live with the ostomy?
How have friends, family, and others reacted to knowing the client has an ostomy?
The client has encountered various challenges in adapting to life with an ostomy.
Physically, they've had to navigate issues like skin irritation, leakage, and discomfort
associated with the ostomy appliance.
Emotionally, adjusting to the changes in body image and lifestyle has been a significant
hurdle.
Support from friends and family has been mixed, with some providing understanding and
encouragement, while others react with curiosity or discomfort.
Overall, living with an ostomy requires resilience, patience, and a supportive network to
navigate both the physical and emotional aspects of this adjustment.
b. (2 marks) What has been the hardest adjustment? What has been the easiest?
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The hardest adjustment for the client has been coping with the emotional aspects of living
with an ostomy, like changes in body image and feelings of self-consciousness. Learning to
manage the physical challenges, such as skin irritation, has also been difficult.
On the flip side, one of the easiest adjustments has been the practical aspects of caring for the
ostomy, like changing the appliance and maintaining hygiene.
(4 marks) What type of pouch is being used? What other types were tried? What are the
advantages of the type being used?
The client is currently using a two-piece closed-end pouch with a filter. Initially, they tried a
one-piece drainable pouch, but found it difficult for their lifestyle. They also experimented
with a two-piece system with a convex wafer for better adherence, but it caused discomfort
around the stoma.
It provides a secure and discreet fit around the stoma, minimizing the risk of leakage and
ensuring comfort throughout the day.
The closed-end design simplifies disposal, especially when away from home. Additionally,
the integrated filter helps to minimize gas build-up and odors, allowing the client to feel more
confident and at ease in social situations.
c. (4 marks) How much time is required each day to care for the ostomy? What is the
client’s schedule to care for the ostomy?
Generally, it may take around 15 to 30 minutes each day for routine ostomy care, including
changing the pouch, cleaning the skin around the stoma, and assessing for any issues like
irritation or leaks.
As for the client's schedule to care for the ostomy, it typically involves changing the pouching
system every few days, or as needed based on individual circumstances. This may include
changing the pouch in the morning before starting the day or in the evening before bedtime,
depending on what works best for the client's routine and lifestyle. Additionally, regular skin
care and maintenance throughout the day to prevent irritation or discomfort.
d. (2 marks) How expensive is the equipment used?
A box of 10 ostomy bags costs $80 and a box of 10 flanges costs $40
Cost per ostomy bag: $80 ÷ 10 bags = $8 per bag
Cost per flange: $40 ÷ 5 flanges = $8 per flange
Adjustable Ostomy Belt $25
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e. (4 marks) What leisure activities does the client have? Did the client have to change or
give up any activities due to the ostomy? What changes occurred in the client’s body
image?
The client enjoys a variety of leisure activities, including hobbies like gardening hiking.
However, due to the ostomy, they have had to make some adjustments to their participation in
certain activities. For example, they may need to take extra precautions or use specialized
equipment to ensure comfort and security while engaging in activities like hiking. In terms of
changes to the client's body image, the ostomy may have initially led to feelings of self-
consciousness or insecurity.
However, over time, the client has adapted to their new body image and has found ways to
feel comfortable and confident with the ostomy. They may use clothing or accessories to
discreetly conceal the ostomy pouch and minimize its visibility, allowing them to feel more at
ease in social settings.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Once your assignment is complete, please upload your assignment into the D2L
Brightspace platform in the appropriate submission fields for this course
2. THE DUE DATE IS DETERMINED BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR (please reach out
to your instructor for the exact date and time of all assignment deadlines)
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