17. what nursing treatment best helps with abdominal distention/gas/constipation?

Is there a nursing care plan for constipation?

However, although constipation is a common problem, each patient requires their own specific nursing care plan for constipation. A thorough evaluation of the issue is necessary in order to identify and then treat the underlying cause of constipation.

What is the most effective treatment for constipation?

Thus, effective treatment for constipation includes fluids, activity, and fiber. Though common, constipation may also be a complex problem. Chronic constipation can result in the development of hemorrhoids; diverticulosis; straining at stool, and perforation of the colon.

What is the treatment for bloating with or without abdominal distension?

A suggested algorithm for the management of patients in whom bloating with or without abdominal distension is the predominant or most worrisome symptom. CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy; FODMAP, fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol; IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. Conclusion

What are the therapeutic nursing interventions for neurogenic constipation?

Neurogenic disorders may decrease peristaltic activity. The following are the therapeutic nursing interventions for Constipation: Encourage the patient to take in fluid 2000 to 3000 mL/day, if not contraindicated medically. Sufficient fluid is needed to keep the fecal mass soft.

How can I reduce abdominal distention?

The following quick tips may help people to get rid of a bloated belly quickly:Go for a walk. ... Try yoga poses. ... Use peppermint capsules. ... Try gas relief capsules. ... Try abdominal massage. ... Use essential oils. ... Take a warm bath, soaking, and relaxing.

Which medicine is best for abdominal distension?

Drugs used to treat Abdominal DistensionDrug nameRatingRx/OTCView information about pamabrom pamabrom5.0OTCGeneric name: pamabrom systemic Brand name: Aqua-Ban Drug class: miscellaneous diuretics For consumers: interactions, side effectsView information about Aqua-Ban Aqua-BanRateOTC9 more rows

What helps bloating and gas and constipation?

How to treat constipation bloatingTake a stool softener or fiber supplement. Examples are docusate sodium (Colace), psyllium (Metamucil), or methylcellulose (Citrucel).Take a gentle laxative. ... Engage in physical activity. ... Take over-the-counter (OTC) simethicone. ... Take lactase tablets if you're lactose intolerant.

Can constipation cause abdominal distension?

Fecal impaction, which is an increase in colonic content due to constipation, can cause colon distension. In addition, increased amount of colonic content further increases the rate of fermentation and gas production.

What is the most effective medication for constipation?

While all the new prescription products provide more treatment options, Wald says, most people don't need them. Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice.

How can I reduce gas?

Belching: Getting rid of excess airEat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air. ... Avoid carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.Skip the gum and hard candy. ... Don't smoke. ... Check your dentures. ... Get moving. ... Treat heartburn.

What is the best medicine to take for gas?

Best Overall: Gas-X Extra Strength Gas Relief Softgels with Simethicone. We chose these easy-to-swallow, extra-strength gel capsules as our best overall pick because they are powered with simethicone, a doctor-recommended anti-gas medicine.

What is constipation in nursing?

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent than normal. It is accompanied by a difficult or incomplete passage of stool. Use this nursing diagnosis guide to formulate your constipation nursing care plan. Almost everyone has it at some point in life, and it’s usually not serious.

What is the role of a patient in a patient's treatment of constipation?

Patient maintains passage of soft, formed stool at a frequency perceived as “normal” by the patient. Patient states relief from discomfort of constipation. Patient identifies measures that prevent or treat constipation. Patient or caregiver verbalizes measures that will prevent recurrence of constipation.

What causes constipation in the elderly?

Here are some factors that may be related to constipation: 1 Limited fluid intake 2 Low-fiber diet 3 Lack of activity 4 Sedentary lifestyle 5 Medication use 6 Laxative overuse 7 Stress 8 Depression 9 Lack of privacy 10 Fear of pain with defecation 11 Ignoring urge to defecate 12 Tumor 13 Neurogenic disorders

What causes the colon to function inadequately in producing an urge to defecate?

There is a big factor when patient becomes dependent on laxatives and enemas. Abuse of laxatives and enemas causes the muscles and nerves of the colon to function inadequately in producing an urge to defecate.

Why do older people get constipated?

Also, the use of medications, especially opioid analgesics, and overuse of enemas and laxatives, can cause constipation.

How to massage the abdomen?

Abdominal massage. Using the heel of the hand or a tennis ball, apply and release pressure firmly but gently around the abdomen in a clockwise direction. Abdominal massage has been known to be helpful in neurogenic bowel disorder but not for constipation in older adults. Digital anorectal stimulation.

How often do you get constipated?

And because constipation is a case-to-case basis, some people believe they are constipated if a day passes without a bowel movement; for others, every third or fourth day is normal . Though common, constipation may also be a complex problem.

What is a nursing care plan for constipation?

Nursing Care Plan for Constipation. Healthcare professionals find that they very frequently have to manage constipation issues in patients. However, although constipation is a common problem, each patient requires their own specific nursing care plan for constipation. A thorough evaluation of the issue is necessary in order to identify ...

How to help a patient defecate in private?

Schedule times for bathroom trips, and ensure the patient can defecate in private if possible. Provide any necessary medication, such as bulk-forming agents, stool softeners, and mild stimulants. Apply a lubricant or anesthetic ointment to the patient’s anus if necessary. Provide enemas if they are needed.

What Is a Nursing Care Plan?

A nursing care plan describes the actions that will be undertaken whilst the patient is being cared for, and is part of nursing practice. A care plan will usually be drawn up by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) following a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history and current condition. Nurses then work with the patient to fulfil the goals and objectives outlined in the plan.

What are the nursing objectives of a patient?

Nursing objectives: That the patient will have a bowel movement before being discharged from hospital. The pain from her hemorrhoids will ease.

What is the nursing administrator's job to administer Miralax?

To help with bowel function, the nursing administrator will administer Miralax and Colace under the guidance of a physician.

How to determine if stool is a baseline?

Write down the stool color, consistency, odor, quantity, and frequency. This provides a baseline, so any changes can be recognized.

Why do you bathe after defecation?

Run the patient a bath in order to soothe the rectal area after defecation.

What are the symptoms of bloating and distension?

Abdominal bloating is characterized by symptoms of trapped gas, abdominal pressure, and fullness. Abdominal distension is defined as a measurable increase in abdominal girth. These symptoms frequently co-exist, although they can occur separately. Defined by Rome IV criteria, functional abdominal bloating and distension commonly coincide with other functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation. Abdominal bloating and distension can develop for multiple reasons, including food intolerances, a previous infection that perturbed the intestinal microbiota, disordered visceral sensation, delayed intestinal transit, or an abnormal viscero-somatic reflux. Treatment can be challenging to patients and providers-no regimen has been consistently successful. Successful treatment involves identifying the etiology, assessing severity, educating and reassuring patients, and setting expectations. Therapeutic options include dietary changes, probiotics, antibiotics, prokinetic agents, antispasmodics, neuromodulators, and biofeedback. We review the epidemiology and effects of chronic bloating and distension and pathophysiology, discuss appropriate diagnostic strategies, and assess available treatment options.

What are the symptoms of bloating?

Abdominal bloating is characterized by symptoms of trapped gas, abdominal pressure, and fullness.

What is the best treatment for bloating and distension?

Given the broad range of possible causes associated with bloating and distension, identifying the most effective treatment for each individual with symptoms can be a complex process. Therapeutic options include dietary changes, probiotics, antibiotics, prokinetic agents, antispasmodics, neuromodulators and biofeedback. According to Dr. Lacy and co-authors, more than one treatment strategy may be necessary. The chronic bloating and distension treatment algorithm outlines a process for managing patients with these symptoms.

What is the reflex that causes bloating?

Abnormal viscerosomatic reflex. Bloating and distension can also be triggered by an abnormal viscerosomatic reflex. This reflex controls gas clearance and involves the contraction and relaxation of diaphragm and abdominal wall muscles. In individuals who have an abnormal response to a normal release of intestinal gas, ...

How to test for SIBO?

Testing should be based on suspected etiology and can include: 1 Breath tests, a widely available, inexpensive and noninvasive way to determine whether SIBO or food intolerance is responsible 2 Upper endoscopy for patients with alarm symptoms (recurrent nausea and vomiting, unexplained anemia, hematemesis, 10% weight loss, or a family history of gastroesophageal malignancy) or when gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis or FD is suspected 3 Celiac serologies to help determine if malabsorption of wheat and gluten is occurring 4 Abdominal imaging, including computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging enterography for patients with constipation, prior abdominal surgery, Crohn's disease, or known or suspected small bowel dysmotility 5 Complete gastrointestinal transit assessment, using scintigraphy or a wireless motility capsule, to confirm dysmotility or constipation secondary to slow transit 6 Anorectal manometry with balloon expulsion for evaluation of anorectal disorders

What are the symptoms of bloating?

Nearly 40% of the general population reports having problems with these symptoms, and that rate is even higher among people diagnosed with other functional gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) and functional constipation . Individuals with chronic and moderate to severe symptoms report that these symptoms negatively impact their activity level and quality of life.

What causes intestinal bacterial overgrowth?

The two most common causes within this category are small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intolerance to carbohydrates and other food groups. Both conditions can prompt excess growth of bacteria, carbohydrate fermentation and, subsequently, gas production that causes the intestinal tract to stretch and distend. Recent research estimates that nearly 20% of the general population experiences some form of food intolerance.

Who are the authors of the 2021 Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology review?

In a narrative review published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2021, co-authors Brian E. Lacy, M.D., Ph.D., David J. Cangemi, M.D., and Maria I. Vazquez-Roque, M.D., review the epidemiology, effects and pathophysiology of chronic bloating and distension and discuss diagnostic strategies and available treatment options. Drs. Lacy, Cangemi and Vazquez-Roque are gastroenterologists at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida.

Can intraluminal content cause bloating?

These patients can have a conscious perception of intraluminal content and abdominal distension that may contribute to symptomatic bloating. "Complex brain-gut neural pathways, amplified by factors such as anxiety, depression, somatization and hypervigilance can also contribute to this perception of bloating," adds Dr. Lacy.

What Causes Distended Stomach?

To treat a distended stomach condition, it is important to know why it is happening in the first place. Internal and external factors contribute to distended stomach causes.

What does it mean when your stomach is distended?

A distended stomach refers to a swelling of the abdomen itself. The symptoms of nausea, discomfort, and pain are among the signs of this condition, with bloating being first noticed with snug-fitting clothes.

What are the effects of digestive issues?

Bloating, gas, and stomach distention are common effects of digestive issues. The conditions of gastrointestinal disorders of celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis are directly related to the distention.

Why does my stomach feel bloated after eating?

After a meal of fatty food or having too much alcohol, your stomach may become bloated and offer discomfort and pain. A distended abdomen can usually be a mild case of fluid retention or a digestive issue. It may also be the result of an underlying health condition that can lead to severe complications. We will look at the causes as well as how to get rid of a distended stomach.

What causes bloating in the lower stomach?

Hormones. Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle can cause bloating of the lower stomach, fluid retention, and constipation. Severe stomach distention is a cause for concern when accompanied by strong pains from cramping, an irregular cycle, or fibroids. 10. Cancer.

How to stop bloating after eating spicy food?

If your bloating is present after eating a big meal or spicy food, you may be able to settle it by allowing time for digestion. You may experience discomfort and pain as well. Limit or avoid foods that irritate your stomach and take small bites.

Why does my belly feel distended?

A distended belly can be a sign of constipation as your intestines become overextended with stool. This condition may be caused by insufficient water and fiber intake or avoiding regular exercise.

What causes gas in the large intestine?

Ginger. Gas happens when bacteria in your large intestine feed on the carbohydrates that are in your stool. If you're constipated, it can be harder for the gas to pass. That can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, too. Follow the constipation treatment your doctor recommends.

What is a fodmap?

FODMAPs are a group of sugars found in foods like dairy, beans, and certain fruits. They don't break down very well in the small intestine. When they reach the large intestine, FODMAPs provide fuel for bacteria. To follow a low-FODMAP diet, avoid foods like these: Apples.

Does simethicone help with gas?

Some people try simethicone to help their body release gas. But it may not work for everyone. There are also OTC products made with alpha-galactosidase that make it easier for your body to digest gas-producing foods like beans and milk.

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• Nursing management of constipation includes relieving the symptoms through nonpharmacological approaches such as dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and physical activity, restoring normal bowel habits, and improving the patient’s quality of life. The following are the therapeutic nursing interventions for constipation. 1. Encourage the patient to ...

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