Constipation is a term used to describe an abnormalin frequency or irregularity of defecation, abnormal hardening of stools that makes their passage difficult and sometimes painful, a decrease in stool volume, or retention of stool in the rectum for a prolonged period.
Constipation can be caused by certain medications (ie, tranquilizers, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, opioids, antacids with aluminum, and iron); rectal or anal disorders (eg, hemorrhoids, fissures); obstruction (eg, cancer of the bowel); metabolic, neurologic, and neuromuscular conditions (eg, diabetes mellitus, Hirschsprung’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis); endocrinedisorders (eg, hypothyroidism, pheochromocytoma); lead poisoning; and connective tissue disorders (eg, scleroderma, lupus erythematosus).
Clinical Manifestations
Clinical manifestations include abdominal distention, borborygmus, pain and pressure, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, indigestion, a sensation ofincomplete emptying, straining at stool, and the elimination of small-volume, hard, dry stools.
Complications
Complications of constipation include:
Nursing Management
Source :
JOFRED M. MARTINEZ, RN - http://www.slideshare.net/
Constipation can be caused by certain medications (ie, tranquilizers, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, opioids, antacids with aluminum, and iron); rectal or anal disorders (eg, hemorrhoids, fissures); obstruction (eg, cancer of the bowel); metabolic, neurologic, and neuromuscular conditions (eg, diabetes mellitus, Hirschsprung’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis); endocrinedisorders (eg, hypothyroidism, pheochromocytoma); lead poisoning; and connective tissue disorders (eg, scleroderma, lupus erythematosus).
Clinical Manifestations
Clinical manifestations include abdominal distention, borborygmus, pain and pressure, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, indigestion, a sensation ofincomplete emptying, straining at stool, and the elimination of small-volume, hard, dry stools.
Complications
Complications of constipation include:
- hypertension
- fecal impaction
- hemorrhoids and fissures
- megacolon
Nursing Management
- The nurse elicits information about the onset and duration of constipation, current and past elimination patterns, the patient’s expectation of normal bowel elimination, and lifestyle information during the health history interview.
- Past medical and surgical history, current medications, and laxative and enema use are important, as is information about the sensation of rectal pressure or fullness, abdominal pain, excessive straining at defecation, and flatulence.
- Patient education and health promotion are importantfunctions of the nurse.
- After the health history is obtained, the nurse sets specific goals for teaching. Goals for the patient include restoring or maintaining a regular pattern of elimination, ensuring adequate intake of fluids and high-fiber foods,learning about methods to avoid constipation, relieving anxiety about bowel elimination patterns, and avoiding complications.
Source :
JOFRED M. MARTINEZ, RN - http://www.slideshare.net/
