Final answer:
A commode chair or bedside commode is used for residents who cannot walk to the toilet, providing a way to sit comfortably while eliminating waste. Catheterization or surgical interventions like an ileostomy may be necessary for those with impaired nervous control or anatomical structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a resident is unable to ambulate to the toilet, equipment such as a commode chair or a bedside commode may be used to assist in maintaining a normal sitting position for elimination. These devices provide a chair-like structure with a container that can collect waste, allowing individuals who have difficulty walking or standing to maintain dignity and hygiene while managing their bodily functions. For voiding, individuals may need assistance with catheterization if they are unable to voluntarily control their urethral sphincter due to neurological conditions or physical limitations. In more severe cases, where normal bowel function is impaired, surgical interventions such as creating a new fecal pouch or an ileostomy might be required, with the latter involving a bag-like appliance for waste collection.
Feces are eliminated through contractions of the rectal muscles, and the process is aided by the Valsalva's maneuver. This voluntary action entails increasing intra-abdominal pressure to facilitate defecation. However, for those unable to perform these mechanisms independently, the aforementioned supportive devices or surgeries can be life-changing.