Intent:
To determine and record the person's pattern of bowel continence (control) over the last 3 days.
Definition:
Bowel Continence — Refers to control of the person’s bowel movements. This item describes the person's bowel continence pattern with any scheduled toileting plans, continence training programs, or appliances in use. It does not refer to the person's ability to toilet him or herself — e.g., a person can receive extensive assistance in toileting and be continent of stool.
Process:
The assessment for bowel continence should be completed concurrent with the bladder continence review. Control of bowel function is also a sensitive issue. Be sure to ask about the nature of the problem in a sensitive, straightforward manner. If necessary, validate continence patterns with others who know the person (e.g., a family member). Remember to consider continence patterns over the last 3 days, 24 hours a day.
Coding:
Continent — Complete control; DOES NOT USE any type of ostomy device
Control with ostomy — Control with ostomy device over last 3 days
Infrequently incontinent — Not incontinent over last 3 days, but does have incontinent episode(s)
Occasionally incontinent — Less than daily
Frequently incontinent — Daily, but some control present
Incontinent — No control present
Did Not occur — No bowel movement in the last 3 days