What it means
The waste left after digestion, made of water, fiber, bacteria and cells. Normal stool is brown and soft-formed. Its color, amount, shape and smell can point to problems: black, tarry stool can mean bleeding high in the gut, bright red blood bleeding low in it, and clay-colored stool a blocked bile duct. Iron supplements turn stool dark.
For the nurse
Record the number, color and consistency of stools, and test for hidden blood when ordered. Report black or bloody stool, new diarrhea or no bowel movement for several days.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | BM (bowel movement) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | heces, deposición |
| Also written | stools |
Related terms
diarrhea
Loose or watery stools, usually three or more times a day or more often than normal for the person.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
rectum
The last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.
colon
The main part of the large intestine, between the small intestine and the rectum.
anus
The opening at the lower end of the bowel where stool leaves the body.