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As many as one in five people experiences chronic constipation, a condition that's even more common in women as they get older. It's something that can easily creep up on you if you're not paying attention, with many factors, from diet to other health conditions, contributing to the problem. Here's what you need to know about constipation symptoms, causes, prevention and when to see a doctor.
Most people think constipation means not having frequent enough bowel movements. In reality, constipation is more complicated and more subtle than that, with a range of symptoms that you may not always recognize. People may think if they are having a bowel movement every day, they can't be constipated, but you can meet the medical definition of constipation with just one of these symptoms:
Depending on the severity, constipation can cause problems such as abdominal pain and gas. Excessive straining during bowel movements may also cause:
Constipation has a wide range of causes and risk factors ranging from poor diet to more serious disorders. In terms of how our bodies operate, the causes of constipation fall into three categories:
The good news is that if you have mild constipation, simple lifestyle changes can help manage the condition. Prevention tips include:
If increasing fiber intake, exercise and hydration don't solve the problem, your constipation may be characterized as chronic. Depending on the cause of chronic constipation, you may need physical therapy or even low-dose laxatives to treat the problem. For chronic constipation, it's important to meet with a professional who can help guide you to the right kind of therapy. This is especially important if you have any warning signs of disease, such as weight loss, bleeding or pain, or stools that become pencil-thin and stay that way. All things considered, you should see a doctor if constipation or any other physical discomfort is interfering with your daily life.
Constipation NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Constipation is a medical condition characterized by infrequent bowel movement, difficult passage of stool, or both. It is often defined as less than three bowel movements a week. It is a common complaint with an estimated prevalence of 12-19% of population in America and about 27% in Canada. Constipation has several causes, which may include gastrointestinal disorders, neurological problems, post-surgical status, ongoing chemotherapy treatment, or even pregnancy. Its treatment process is often directed not only in addressing constipation but on tackling the underlying cause. Signs and Symptoms of Constipation
Causes of ConstipationNormally, the stool passes through the intestinal tract and rectum through peristalsis. Constipation occurs when there is disruption in this normal movement causing stool or waste to become hard and dry; therefore, making it more difficult to excrete out of the body. The causes for constipation are classified into primary and secondary causes.
Treatment for Constipation
Constipation Nursing DiagnosisNursing Care Plan for Constipation 1Post-Surgical Care Nursing Diagnosis: Constipation related to immobility secondary to hip fracture surgery as evidenced by difficulty to pass stool and no bowel movement for 4 days post-surgery. Desired outcome: The patient will manage to pass stool in 1-2 days.
Nursing Care Plan for Constipation 2Neurological Disorders such as Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and Muscular dystrophy Nursing Diagnosis: Constipation related to reduced muscle control secondary to Parkinson’s Disease, as evidenced by reduced bowel movement, hard and lumpy stool, verbalization of having to strain when on the toilet, restlessness Desired Outcome: return of normal elimination pattern following managed PD symptoms.
Nursing Care Plan for Constipation 3Dementia Nursing Diagnosis: Constipation related to ignoring the urge to defecate secondary to dementia as evidenced by straining and passage of hard stools, restlessness, and refusal to go to the toilet. Desired outcome: The patient will be able to re-establish return of normal elimination pattern and being free from pain while passing stools.
Nursing Care Plan for Constipation 4Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g. Diverticulitis) Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to re-establish normal bowel elimination.
Nursing Care Plan for Constipation 5Cancer and Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment Nursing Diagnosis: Constipation related to side effect of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) as evidenced by type 1-2 stools on Bristol stool chart 2 days post-chemotherapy session, feeling of difficulty in emptying stools, irritability Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to re-establish normal bowel elimination.
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2018). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines and policies and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. |