Intestinal failure and a high faecal output from a stoma or fistula are rare gastrointestinal complications. Intestinal failure occurs when the intestine fails to absorb sufficient fluids and nutrients to maintain life, and can result from bowel resection or malabsorption. The management of these conditions raises many issues which nurses caring for affected patients need to consider. This article will discuss those relating to feeding, appliances and medication. Two methods of feeding that can be useful in patients with intestinal failure, namely parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) and fistuloclysis (feeding via an intestinal fistula), will be explored. Finally, a short case study will be presented to highlight the effects of some of these interventions and the problems that they can cause for patients.
Stomas are encountered by nurses in many different fields and may be newly formed or many years old. Caring for ostomists can be problematic, particularly if complications occur. One of the more common problems for ostomists is excoriated peristomal skin. Sore skin can occur for a number of reasons and the cause can be an indicator for the therapy required. At times the treatment can be simple but often the skills of a stoma specialist nurse are required. This article focuses on some of the more commonly encountered ostomy problems that nurses may be faced with. The potential problems are described and potential treatment options are offered.
Finding the right drainable pouch can be difficult for the person with an ileostomy. There is an extensive range of appliances available on prescription that offer a variety of features and benefits. Welland Medical has introduced a new one-piece drainable pouch that has a secure integral locking device on the outlet. This new pouch also incorporates a unique Dual-Carb filter which combines modified and unmodified carbon to help fight the various odour types that an ileostomy can produce.
This article gives the reader an overview of recent developments in appliances for people with a colostomy. After a brief background, the various products that have been brought onto the market in recent years are discussed.
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