Bowel Elimination, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Physiology in the Elderly
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Bowel Elimination Physiology in the Elderly
In the elderly, stools are less frequent and may be harder. Constipation is a common complaint among healthy elderly patients, often without a clear single etiology. Aging produces:
- Slowing of gastrointestinal motility.
- Mucosal and intestinal muscle atrophy.
- Reduced nerve function in the intestine, rectum, and anus.
Subjective Constipation
In the elderly, this is usually related to incorrect assessments or ideas acquired due to cognitive decline.
Manifestations
Unrealistic expectations regarding the quantity and timing of bowel movements, leading to the abuse of laxatives.
Criteria Scores
The elderly person must:
- Recognize their bowel pattern as normal.
- Recognize the negative effects of laxatives.
- Specify activities