| Abstract: |
This article helps nurses understand the physiology of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly in patients who are older. The author outlines how aging affects the lower GI tract, reviews common disorders, and explains how nursing interventions can help minimize problems for this patient population. With age, blood flow to the large intestine lessens and intestinal motility and peristalsis decrease. Constipation and fecal impaction can result from a combination of factors, such as decreased mobility, medications, dehydration, poor diet, and limited fiber intake. The author cautions that assessing older patients can be difficult because their symptoms may be vague and they may have more than one coexisting chronic illness. The author outlines age-related differences in GI disorders, including appendicitis, acute abdomen, and lower GI bleeds. The article concludes with guidelines for nursing interventions for older patients with GI problems. One sidebar lists drugs commonly prescribed for older patients that can cause constipation. 2 figures. 4 references. |