Here you will find information about Constipation Nursing Diagnosis.
What Is Constipation?
It is a condition of the digestive system where an individual has hard faces that are difficult to expel. In most cases, this occurs because the colon has absorbed too much water from the food that is in the colon.
The slower the food moves to the digestive tract, the more water the colon will absorb from it. Consequently, the feces become dry and hard. When this happens, emptying the bowels can become very painful.
Causes Of Constipation
Constipation usually results from not getting enough exercise, not drinking enough water, or from the diet that does not include an adequate amount of fiber-rich foods like beans, bran cereals, fruits, raw vegetables, rice, and whole-grain pieces of bread.
Other Cause Of Constipation Include Anal Fissure
This can cause you chronic kidney failure, colon or rectal cancer, depression, hypercalcemia (Abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood) hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid gland) illness requiring complete bed rest, irritable bowel syndrome, and stress.
Signs And Symptoms Of Constipation
The main symptoms of constipation are increased difficulty and straining when passing stools. Passing fewer stools than usual can be a sign of Constipation.
Other Symptoms Include:
- Stomach Ache
- Stomach Cramps
- Feelin Bloated and Nauseous
- Losing Appetite
Constipation Nursing Diagnosis
There are many tests that can diagnose sever constipation, and most only need a few basic tests.
Medical History
First the doctor or health care professional will take a medical history and physical examination to allow the doctor to define the type of constipation uncover any supplements or prescription products you are taking or disease or other health problems you have.
“Other tests are available for people who have severe constipation that does not respond easily to treatment”
Physical Examination
A physical examination may identify the disease (for example, scleroderma) that can cause constipation. A rectal examination with the may uncover a tight anal sphincter that may be making defecation difficult or it may found that the muscles of the pelvic floor do not relax normally. If a material filled colon can be felt through the abdominal wall, it suggests that it is severe.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be appropriate in evaluating your condition. More specifically, blood tests for thyroid hormone, (to detect hypothyroidism) and for calcium ( to uncover excess parathyroid hormone) may be helpful.
Abdominal X-ray
Large amounts of material in the colon usually can be visualized on simple X-ray films of the abdomen and the more sever constipation, the more visualized on X-ray.
Barium Enema
A barium enema lower gastrointestinal(GI) series is an X ray study in which liquid barium is inserted through the anus to fill the rectum and colon. The barium outlines the colon X rays and defines the normal or abnormal anatomy of the bowel and rectum.
Some Additional tests
- Colonic Transit (Marker) studies
- Defecography
- Anorectal motility studies
- Magnetic resonance imaging defecography
- Colonic mortality studies
Treatment
Treatment for chronic constipation usually begins with diet and lifestyle changes meant to increase the speed at which stool moves through your intestines. If those changes do not help your doctor may recommend medications or surgery.
Diet And lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may recommend the following changes to relive your constipation.
- Adding Fiber to your diet to increase the weight of your stool and speeds its passages through your intestines.
- Slowly begin to eat more fresh fruits and more vegetables each day.
- Choose whole-grain bread and cereals.
Exercise most Day of The Week
Physical activity increases muscle activity in your intestines. Try to fit in exercise most days of the week.
Do Not Ignore The Urge To Have A Bowel Movement
Take your time in the bathroom, allowing yourself enough time to have a bowel movement without distraction and without feeling rushed.
Laxatives
Several types of laxatives that exist. Each works somewhat differently to make it easier to have a bowel movement. The following things can be your best choice:
Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements add bulk to your stool.
Stimulants
Stimulants cause your intestines to contract.
Osmotic
Osmotic laxatives help fluids move through the colon.
Lubricants
Lubricants such as mineral oil enable stool to move through colon more easily.
Stool Softeners
Stool Softeners moisten the stool by drawing water from the intestines.
Enemas And Suppositories
Sodium Phosphate, soapsuds or tap water enemas can be useful to soften and produce a bowel movement. Glycerin or bisacodyl can also be good for soften stool.
Surgery
Surgery may be a option if you have tried other treatments and your chronic constipation is caused by a blockage, rectocele, fissure, or stricture.
Hope you have found something helpful thank you!
