Which technique relaxes the external anal sphincter to allow stool passage in a reflexive bowel?

Which technique relaxes the external anal sphincter to allow stool passage in a reflexive bowel?

• A. Valsalva maneuver
• B. Digital stimulation
• C. Manual abdominal compression
• D. Biofeedback training

Answer: (B)

In reflexive bowel management, stool passage relies on triggering a reflex that relaxes the anal sphincters so the stool can move through. Digital stimulation—gently inserting a gloved finger into the anal canal to stimulate it—activates this reflex and promotes relaxation of the external anal sphincter, allowing stool to pass. The other techniques aren’t as directly effective for this reflexive relaxation. The Valsalva maneuver increases intra-abdominal pressure to push stool out but can be unsafe for people with spinal cord injury and doesn’t specifically promote reflex relaxation. Manual abdominal compression helps move stool but doesn’t address relaxing the external sphincter. Biofeedback training aims to retrain pelvic floor control over a longer term rather than producing immediate relaxation for reflexive passage.

In reflexive bowel management, stool passage relies on triggering a reflex that relaxes the anal sphincters so the stool can move through. Digital stimulation—gently inserting a gloved finger into the anal canal to stimulate it—activates this reflex and promotes relaxation of the external anal sphincter, allowing stool to pass.

The other techniques aren’t as directly effective for this reflexive relaxation. The Valsalva maneuver increases intra-abdominal pressure to push stool out but can be unsafe for people with spinal cord injury and doesn’t specifically promote reflex relaxation. Manual abdominal compression helps move stool but doesn’t address relaxing the external sphincter. Biofeedback training aims to retrain pelvic floor control over a longer term rather than producing immediate relaxation for reflexive passage.