Which is a primary cause of oozing stools in a tube-fed patient?

Which is a primary cause of oozing stools in a tube-fed patient?

• A. Fecal impaction
• B. Fluid restriction
• C. Physical inactivity
• D. Narcotic usage

Answer: (A)

Oozing stools in a tube-fed patient are most directly explained by fecal impaction. When stool becomes hard and retained in the colon, small amounts of liquid stool can seep around the impacted mass and exit around the tube, appearing as oozing. Narcotic use, fluid restriction, and physical inactivity can all contribute to constipation and raise the risk of impaction, but the leakage itself is best explained by overflow around an impacted stool.

Oozing stools in a tube-fed patient are most directly explained by fecal impaction. When stool becomes hard and retained in the colon, small amounts of liquid stool can seep around the impacted mass and exit around the tube, appearing as oozing. Narcotic use, fluid restriction, and physical inactivity can all contribute to constipation and raise the risk of impaction, but the leakage itself is best explained by overflow around an impacted stool.