HS1174_Reflection_Ng Jiaxuan_194240A

31432504857750Reflective report on eliminating507 wordsReflective report on eliminating507 words31623003676650Miss Joey Ho22 July 201922 July 20190Miss Joey Ho22 July 201922 July 201931527752847975HS1174 Fundamentals of Nursing and Critical ThinkingNR19300HS1174 Fundamentals of Nursing and Critical ThinkingNR193031337252028825Ng Jiaxuan, 194240ANursing, Semester 1, 201900Ng Jiaxuan, 194240ANursing, Semester 1, 2019center790007945755 1154000 This is my reflective report and the topic for my group presentation is eliminating. Elimination can be urinary or bowel. My group emphasizes on bowel elimination. Bowel elimination is also known as defecation. Bowel elimination is defined as “a basic bodily function that most people carry out in private and are often embarrassed to discuss publicly” (Pellat, 2007). Bowel elimination includes people having constipation. In this report, I will write about things I learned, things I can apply in clinical and challenge that I wish to explore in my report. Constipation occurs when one has feces that is hard to excrete. (MedicalNewsToday, 2017) There are many ways to solve constipation and one is giving medication. I have learned that we have to give laxative medication. Laxatives are a medicine that helps people to eliminate easily and increase stool mobility. Giving patients laxatives can improve their bowel movement so that they can defecate normally. However, we must keep in mind if patients eat laxative regularly as the large amount can get side effects, including dehydration. Diarrhea can also lead to electrolyte imbalances such as calcium and potassium. (Healthline, 2018) Besides, patients who face constipation need to intake more fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that humans cannot digest (EverydayHealth, 2019) Plant-based foods that are rich in fiber like fruits, and vegetables can effectively cure constipation. The recommended intake for fiber is 30 to 38 grams for male and 25 grams for female in a day. (EverydayHealth, 2011) Intake fiber can help soften patients’ stool that can reduce pain in abdomen due to constipation. With this concept in mind, I will encourage patients to intake more fiber which can maintain body health. Furthermore, most of constipation occur is due to fluid balance deficit. The best way to solve constipation problem is drinking plenty of water. According to NAM, the recommended amount of water intake should be 3.7 liters (15 cups) for male and 2.7 liters (11 cups) for female daily. (One Medical, 2017) Since constipation is related to dehydration in the colon, we need to make sure we are drinking lots of water. When body is properly hydrated, less water will be withdrawn from the colon. This will keep the stool soft and easy to pass. Therefore, I will apply this in my clinical placement by encouraging my patients to drink more water to avoid constipation. The challenge that I have is difficulty in differentiating pain due to urinary tract infection and pain due to constipation. However, as a nurse, we cannot accurately identify the abdominal pain is due to urinary tract infection or constipation because both can cause abdominal pain. Patients need doctor’s diagnosis to determine the cause. Therefore, it is a challenge for me to differentiate them. In conclusion, if our patients face constipation, we need to encourage them to drink more water and take more fiber to improve their bowel movement. On the other hand, we also can ask doctor to provide the right amount of laxative to solve the constipation problem.ReferencesEverydayHealth(2011). Fiber: How Much Is Too Much? Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/guide-to-daily-fiber/too-much-fiber/EverydayHealth(2019). All About Fiber: Why You Need It, the Top Sources, and What Happens if You Eat Too Much. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/fiber-benefits-food-sources-supplements-side-effects/ Healthline(2018). Laxatives Side Effects: Understanding the Risks. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/laxatives-side-effects MedicalNewsToday(2017). What to know about constipation. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150322.phpOne Medical(2017). Do I really need to drink 8 glasses of water a day? Retrieved from https://www.onemedical.com/blog/live-well/daily-water-intake/Pellatt, G. C., (2007). Clinical skills: Bowel Elimination and Management of Complications, 16(6), 351-355. DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2007.16.6.23008Ng Jiaxuan, 194240A