Sticky poop...I need some tips!

[bwenzrn]

I have an older pt with m.d., he takes Miralax for his bowels...but it makes everything sooooooooooooooo...sticky!!!! It would be bad enough to clean off a cute baby tush.....but this an adult hairy bottom. I end up using a lot of wipes and t.p. (family/pt. doesn't want wash cloth and soap used) any handy tips to make this clean up easier???

[NsugaBuga]

what an analogy...er, i just typed analogy how sublime....

quote]

lol!

what is the family's rationale for not wanting soap and water? (thinking that its not the harsh 'soap' that we dont wanna use on older pts )

[cherrybreeze, ADN, RN]

The two cents I'll throw in is that I also don't believe it's the Miralax causing the problem.

Could fiber be added to this gentleman's regime? Something bulk-forming may help.

Is he on a "regular" diet, or does he get some kind of alimental feeding or supplement (like Ensure or Boost)? In my experience, that's the biggest cause of "sticky" stools.

Using a barrier cream (such as A&D, or a zinc-oxide based ointment) will probably be your best bet. Other than washcloths, due to texture. When we switched to these "disposable wash cloths" at work, I found that it takes a lot more to get a tush clean, since they have no texture to them whatsoever.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Butt skyward in the back of a pick up, going through the car wash?? (No-touch, of course)

[leslie :-D]

Could fiber be added to this gentleman's regime? Something bulk-forming may help.

fiber is fine, IF pts aren't dehydrated.

normally though, i don't recommend it, if i know the pt drinks minimally.

w/o the water, constipation w/hard stool results.

leslie

[caliotter3]

How much hydration is the patient receiving? How much liquid is being mixed with the MiraLax? I would work with the doctor to adjust the order for the MiraLax, gradual increase of powder, increase of liquid. Also look at his overall hydration with the thought of increasing free water during the day. The more liquid ingested, the less sticky the poo. The more MiraLax, in combination with liquid, the more liquid the poo.

[kool-aide, RN]

Shaving a butt would not cause bed sores. Bed sores are caused by pressure- not alopecia :) It could be an issue with ingrown hairs or razor 'skid' marks/razor burn....but bedsores- not likely at all :)

What I meant was that using a safety razor would essentially take off a thin layer of skin which could lead to a greater risk of bed sores.... not to mention if he actually got a cut on his bottom from them....

[Dessi.nurse]

On 9/24/2011 at 5:01 AM, bwenzrn said:

I have an older pt with m.d., he takes Miralax for his bowels...but it makes everything sooooooooooooooo...sticky!! It would be bad enough to clean off a cute baby tush.....but this an adult hairy bottom. I end up using a lot of wipes and t.p. (family/pt. doesn't want wash cloth and soap used) any handy tips to make this clean up easier???

Did you ever find a solution? I’m currently having the same issue with one of my pt. I’m also a night staff!! I was thinking about using shaving cream but I’m not sure if it will help it since his stool is like a sticky black tar..