MANAGE SYMPTOMS
19 BOWEL AND BLADDER ISSUES Changes in bowel or bladder habits are a result of many things like inactivity, change in eating habits, medication and lack of privacy. MANAGE SYMPTOMS
18
Symptoms the Patient May Experience and How You Can Help ANXIETY Anxiety is a concern about an event, person, uncertainty, or feeling of not being able to handle things. Often the reason for the uneasiness may not be known. Anxiety is a common experience. Anxiety may include:
For all bowel or bladder issues: • Allow for privacy, with doors closed, curtains pulled, or privacy screens. • Stay close by for the patient’s safety, in case they need assistance. • Use a bedside commode, bedpan, or urinal if walking to the bathroom is not safe or too difficult. Your Care Team can arrange for this equipment. • Sitting upright, gently rocking back and forth is more comfortable than straining. CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • Patient has not urinated or emptied bladder for 12-18 hours. • Patient experiences abdominal pain or burning when urinating or when empty - ing bowels. • Patient’s abdomen becomes hard, or swollen. • Patient’s urine is discolored, dark, or contains blood. • Patient is unable to control urination. • Patient does not have a bowel move - ment in 3 days, even with very little or no eating. • Patient has 2-3 episodes of diarrhea within an 8-hour period.
Constipation: A longer-than-normal period between regular bowel movements or unusually hard stool. A patient should have a bowel movement at least every
• Fear • Worry • Fixation on a Situation or Thing • Spiritual Questions/ Concerns
• Sleeplessness • Nightmares • Confusion • Rapid Breathing or Heart- beat
• Tension • Shaking • Sweating • Nerves • Jitters
3 days, even if not eating very much. • Drink fluids as much as possible. • Walk daily if possible.
• Eat foods high in fiber, such a vegetables and fruits, if the patient can still drink several glass- es of fluids each day. • Only use fiber laxatives, like Metamucil, if the pa- tient can drink several glasses of fluids each day. • Vegetable laxatives and stool softeners, such a senna and docusate, are preferred, especially if the patient is taking pain medications. Diarrhea: Frequent, watery stools that may be ac- companied by stomach cramping. • Drink liquids such as water, apple juice, non- caffeine sodas, or chicken broth until the symp- toms end. • Avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream. • Gradually offer the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, ap- plesauce, toast) as the diarrhea begins to stop. Urine: Many patients become incontinent and/or cannot control emptying their bladder. Some have difficulty fully emptying their bladder and may be- come uncomfortable or restless as the bladder dis- tends. • Waterproof pads or adult briefs will protect clothing and furniture. • Keep the patient’s skin clean and dry often to avoid skin irritations or breakdown. • Sometimes a catheter (a thin, soft tube) is in- serted into the bladder to drain urine. Your nurse can do this if it becomes best for the pa- tient.
How to help relieve anxiety: • Write down thoughts and feelings. This can be shared with someone, or can be kept private. Just writing what comes to mind often helps. • Talk with someone you trust. • Engage in relaxing activities such as deep breath- ing or yoga, or listen to soothing music.
CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • There are problems with relation ships with family or friends. • There are spiritual concerns. • The symptoms of anxiety are getting worse.
• Limit the number of visitors, or how long visitors stay, until the patient feels better and more re- laxed. • Gently rub arms, back, hands or feet. Wash your hands and apply lotion between your palms before gently massaging the patient. • Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages. • Exercise regularly. If possible, a few minutes of walking, or stretching and moving in bed or a chair can help to ease anxiety. • Use medications as prescribed. Your Care Team will give you guidance on safe use of medications. • Your Care Team will be able to offer many other suggestions, like massage, relaxation exercises, or music therapy, to help reduce anxiety.
866.466.9734
FourSeasonsCare.org
FourSeasonsCare.org
866.466.9734
Four Seasons
Four Seasons
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