NUR 140 Paper - Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

[Irritable Bowel Syndrome] 2 [What Is IBS?] The large intestine is impacted by the illness known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is an idiopathic disease that results from environmental and/or genetic factors. There are two types of IBS which are Crohn’s Disease which is a terminal ileum with colon patchy involvement throughout all layers of the bowel from mouth to rectum. Can have skip lesions. Ulcerative Colitis is the second one which occurs in the colon and rectum. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and cramps are some of the signs and symptoms. IBS is a chronic disease that requires long-term management according to Mayo Clinic 2021. IBS symptoms and indicators might vary, but they typically last for a long time. The most frequent ones include cramps, bloating, or abdominal pain associated with passing a bowel movement. changes to the way bowel movements look. Alterations in the frequency of your bowel movements. There is no known cause of IBS but some factors that appear to affect the GI including increased muscle contractions in the intestines, any abnormalities in the nerves that are in the digestive system that can cause a greater than normal discomfort when having a bowel movement. Severe infection of the intestines like Gastroenteritis that can cause IBS. Other factors like certain type of food or stress can be a trigger to the symptoms of IBS. [Aiding patients with IBS] As a nurse, we must assess the patient and come up with a nursing diagnosis. Patient has diarrhea related to intestinal inflammation, and malabsorption of nutrients as evidenced by hyperactive of bowel sounds, frequent watery stools, changes to stool color, and abdominal pain with cramping. We should take vital signs because elevated blood pressure and heart rate can develop from severe bowel pain. Fever can also develop from dehydration, pain, or inflammation. With diarrhea, patients may be at risk for hypokalemia which can also affect their [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] 3 heart. Patients with IBS can be constipated or, having severe diarrhea, or in combination of both. We would also monitor the nutritional intake which can help with the absorption and get rid of diarrhea. We would also measure fluid and electrolytes status. Patients who have constant diarrhea will lose excessive potassium which can have effects on the heart. Lastly, we would do a psychosocial assessment and support system which can help the patient to overcome their isolation and fears of being incontinence and frequent bathroom visits. Some of the teaching notes with patients who are diagnosed with IBS includes avoiding foods that trigger the manifestations of IBS. Malnutrition is common with IBS which could lead to many other complications for example, poor wound healing, decreased immune status, and decreased muscle mass. Every patient has distinct trigger foods that bring on their symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol, eggs, wheat products, and drinks with sorbitol or fructose are a few common items that seem to cause gastrointestinal discomfort according to RNpedia 2017. Alcohol and caffeine may aggravate the digestive system. Intolerance to lactose is widespread. These foods may speed up digestion, which could result in more tummy aches and/or diarrhea. Smoking has also been linked to IBS, thus patients should be informed about its negative effects and provided with counseling for quitting. Nicotine can cause greater discomfort and/or diarrhea via increasing gastrointestinal motility according to Cleveland clinic 2019. Lastly, both regular bowel movements and stress and anxiety management depend on regular exercise and enough sleep. If the patient exercise regularly and sleeps at least 8 hours a day can help them to manage the manifestations of IBS. [Barriers to learning] It has become difficult for professionals to deliver healthcare and provide education. Ensure that the patient has the knowledge they need to make informed decisions is a challenge [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] 4 faced daily by nurses and other professionals. Patients and their families receive a wealth of information about their health, and frequently, these facts must be used to guide vital decisions. Poor health literacy and awareness, lack of access or convenience, lack of family experience, and competing personal issues are barriers that limit the patient education transmission of health care information. Because every person learns differently, it is the nurse's responsibility to examine and evaluate the patient's learning needs and willingness to learn. Nurses can assist patients with low health literacy by creating a friendly environment, using simple language, speaking slowly, and promoting question-asking. By utilizing instructional technology, nurses can assist patients who have limited access to health care. Materials for patient education are now easier to access because to technology. With the click of a button, patients may easily personalize and print out educational materials. Ensure that the patient's specific demands are met. Don't just hand the patient a stack of documents to read; go over them with them to make sure they comprehend the instructions and can respond to any queries. Several languages are offered for some resources. [Conclusion] Nursing care includes educating patients on several topics. A good outcome depends on the quality of the nurse's training and assistance, whether she is teaching a new mother how to bathe a newborn child or an adult who is dealing with a persistent bowel disease.