Getting Ready for Continence Certification: Bowel Management

摘要

Fecal incontinence is a life-altering condition that affects up to 15% of community-dwelling adults.1 Rates in the nursing home population range from 40% to 55%, and prevalence increases with age.2 National professional organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommend conservative management strategies as initial treatment of fecal incontinence.3'4 Conservative treatments include body-worn absorptive products,5 skin care, dietary modification, fiber supplementation, pelvic floor rehabilitation, antidiarrheal medication for loose stools, and rectal devices such as anal plugs or vaginal bowel control devices.3'4-6 Conservative management strategies are what the CWOCN Society considers its primary practice focus7 and are the focus of the WOCNCB Continence Certification Examination. Fortunately, up to 25% of patients with fecal incontinence can become continent after implementing conservative management strategies.6