Keys to Bowel Success

Abstract

Although many rehabilitation clients have neurogenic bowels requiring special bowel protocols, a review of the literature affirmed the authors’ assumptions and experiences as professional nurses that any bowel program must begin with a good nursing assessment, a clean bowel, and eight keys to success. Once these criteria are met, bowel care can be individualized to meet the needs of the specific patient. This article presents a review of the literature and provides references for nurses seeking additional information on bowel programs.