Enemas are contraindicated when the patient is neutropenic. If there are concerns that the constipation is not improving or that it is related to a serious underlying pathology please contact the oncology unit.
Full Answer
What are the therapeutic nursing interventions for constipation?
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. But take note of some patients or older patients having cardiovascular limitations requiring less fluid intake.
What medications can cause constipation?
Classify current medications usage that may lead to constipation. A lot of drugs can slow down peristalsis. Opioids, antacids with calcium or aluminum base, antidepressants, anticholinergics, antihypertensives, general anesthetics, hypnotics, and iron and calcium supplements can cause constipation.
What is the best adjuvant for constipation?
Observational studies, case reports, and clinical reviews suggest abdominal massage may be another helpful adjuvant measure for constipation in palliative care patients, elderly individuals, patients with spinal cord injury, or those with postoperative ileus (Sinclair, 2011).
What are the dietary recommendations for the treatment of constipation?
Assist patient to take at least 20 g of dietary fiber (e.g., raw fruits, fresh vegetable, whole grains) per day. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and makes defecation easier because it passes through the intestine essentially unchanged. Urge patient for some physical activity and exercise. Consider isometric abdominal and gluteal exercises.
For which of the following patients would laxative usage be contraindicated?
Laxatives containing sodium are contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients with cardiac conditions (Hopkins, 1999). Bulk-forming laxatives with a high sugar content are contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Which condition is a contraindication for loperamide treatment?
Contraindications. Loperamide Hydrochloride Capsules is contraindicated in: pediatric patients less than 2 years of age due to the risks of respiratory depression and serious cardiac adverse reactions (see WARNINGS). patients with a known hypersensitivity to Loperamide hydrochloride or to any of the excipients.
Which category of laxatives is contraindicated in elderly patients?
Mineral oil should not be taken by bedridden elderly persons because a form of pneumonia may be caused by the inhalation of oil droplets into the lungs. Also, stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl or casanthranol), if taken too often, may worsen weakness, lack of coordination, or dizziness and light-headedness.
When do you refer to a patient with constipation?
Patients should be referred to a physician in the following situations (among others): 1) the patient has a serious underlying medical condition (e.g., Parkinson's disease, diabetes); 2) the patient is a possible laxative abuser/misuser (discussed below); 3) constipation has lasted longer than 7 days; 4) the patient ...
When is Imodium contraindicated?
Contraindications. Imodium is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to loperamide hydrochloride or to any of the excipients. Imodium is contraindicated in patients with abdominal pain in the absence of diarrhea. Imodium is not recommended in infants below 24 months of age.
Why is loperamide contraindicated in dysentery?
Medication Summary Antidiarrheal (ie, kaolin-pectin) and antimotility agents (ie, loperamide) are contraindicated in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children because of their lack of benefit and increased risk of side effects, including ileus, drowsiness, and nausea.
Why are laxatives contraindicated in bowel obstruction?
Patients with dysphagia should also avoid bulk laxatives, as they may expand and become lodged in the esophagus, causing obstruction. Absolute contraindications to this class of drugs include hypersensitivity to these agents, fecal impaction, and gastrointestinal obstruction.
Is lactulose safe for elderly?
Lactulose, lactitol and macrogol are the most commonly and safest compounds used in the elderly [55, 57, 64]. Lactulose and lactitol are both synthetic, non-digestible disaccharides that are fermented by colonic bacteria to increase stool water content and soften the stool [57].
Which laxatives should not be used to treat acute constipation because of its slow onset of action?
Osmotic laxatives such as lactulose can take 2-3 days to have any effect so they are not suitable for the rapid relief of constipation. Stimulant laxatives usually work within 6-12 hours.
Which medications can cause constipation in terminal illness?
When someone is living with a terminal illness, their eating habits, fluid intake, mobility and medication may change. These can all contribute to constipation....Some of the most common are:opioids.ondansetron (an anti-sickness medication)medication for Parkinson's disease.iron supplements.antacids.
What is the best 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.
What is best for constipation?
Good sources include whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice, beans, vegetables and fresh or dried fruits. Prunes and bran cereal are tried and true constipation remedies. Stay hydrated. Water is important for preventing constipation, too.
How to prevent constipation?
Being physically active seems to help prevent constipation, although the reason is unclear. It is helpful to engage in a daily bout of gentle activity such as walking. Ensure that your body can tolerate the exercise you choose, and speak with your physician for assistance.
What medications cause constipation?
5,6 A host of drugs can be responsible, including narcotic analgesics (e.g., opiate derivatives), antacids with aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, Parkinson’s medications, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron or calcium supplements, and anticonvulsants. 1 If a medication is suspected as the cause, the patient should be urged to discuss the problem with the prescriber so alterations to the regimen might be considered.
How long can you take laxatives for constipation?
For this reason, you should not self-treat constipation for more than 7 days. There are many other precautions on the labels of laxatives that you should read and understand before use.
What does refusal to sell mean for a pharmacist?
If pharmacists suspect any of these issues, a refusal to sell is warranted. This can be accomplished by placing laxatives of abuse behind the counter, with a sign informing patients that they must ask the pharmacist for them. This allows the pharmacist to ask questions prior to sale.
How common is constipation in women?
Constipation affects people of all races and ages, and both sexes. 1 However, it is more common in women, in those over the age of 65 years, in non-Causcasians, and in lower socioeconomic classes. 1,2 As many as 17% to 45% of women experience constipation during pregnancy. 4.
What are the age limits for laxatives?
Laxatives and fiber products carry age limits below which they are not safe for self-treatment. 7 Some of the products that are safe down to the age of 2 years include glycerin suppositories and enemas, polycarbophil, docusate, magnesium hydroxide (e.g., Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia), sodium phosphate enemas, mineral oil enemas, magnesium citrate, castor oil, and senna. Products safe only down to the age of 6 years include methyl-cellulose, psyllium, oral mineral oil, and bisacodyl. Carbon dioxide suppositories should not be used by anyone under the age of 12 years, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 is not safe for those under 17 years. 7
How many people are affected by constipation?
Prevalence and Epidemiology of Constipation. Experts estimate that 15% of the population is affected with constipation, which is approximately 42 million people. 1 Within this group, 4 million people suffer from frequent constipation, and 12% to 19% are chronically constipated. 2,3 The laxative market in the United States alone is approximately ...
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 with defecation?
To Aid a Return to an Acceptable Defecation Pattern. Advise the patient how to incorporate fiber and bulk into their diet. Encourage the patient to drink lots of fluids, including fiber-rich fruit juices, and warm, stimula ting drinks ( such as tea and decaffeinated coffee) to promote soft, moist stool.
What to do if you have a swollen anus?
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. Digitally remove any impacted stool.
What is a nursing intervention plan?
A care/intervention plan, including any necessary lifestyle changes, and a list of those involved. Record any responses to the interventions suggested in the nursing care plan for constipation and how they were implemented. The patient’s individual long-term requirements, and who is responsible for any future actions.
Can poor habits lead to constipation?
The poor habits that lead to constipation are not always obvious from conversations between nurse and patient. Therefore, nurses will need to be aware of clues as to what these are, and identify any poor habits that the patient is currently unaware of.
What is the meaning of constipation?
Constipation is difficult or infrequent passage of stool, hardness of stool, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. (See also Constipation in Children .) No bodily function is more variable and subject to external influences than defecation.
Why is constipation common in older people?
Constipation is common among older people because of low-fiber diets, lack of exercise, coexisting medical conditions, and use of constipating drugs. Many older people have misconceptions about normal bowel habits and use laxatives regularly.
What are the symptoms of defecation?
A tense, distended, tympanitic abdomen, particularly when there is nausea and vomiting, suggests mechanical obstruction.
Is constipation organic or functional?
Acute constipation suggests an organic cause, whereas chronic constipation may be organic or functional (see Table: Causes of Constipation ). In many patients, constipation is associated with sluggish movement of stool through the colon.
Is constipation a symptom of a bowel movement?
Patients should not expect all symptoms to be relie ved by a daily bowel movement, and measures to aid bowel habits should be used judiciously.
Causes
Signs and Symptoms
- The following signs and symptoms characterize constipation: 1. Infrequent passage of stool- fewer than three bowel movements per week 2. Passage of dry, hard stool 3. Passage of liquid fecal seepage 4. Frequent but non-productive desire to defecate 5. Straining at stools 6. Pain upon defecation 7. Abdominal pain or distention 8. Anorexia 9. Dull headache 10. Nauseaand vo…
Goals and Desired Outcomes
- The following are the common goals and expected outcomes for constipation. 1. Within 4 hours of nursing intervention and treatment, the patient will identify measures that prevent or treat constipation. 2. Within 4 hours of nursing intervention and treatment, the patient or caregiver will determine measures that will prevent recurrence of constipation. 3. Within 8 hours of nursing int…
Nursing Assessment and Rationales
- Assessment of the patient with constipation includes a careful history and physical examination, followed by appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations. The tests conducted are directed by the clinical findings and should be used to strengthen the diagnosis and assess the depth of the problem. 1. Review the patient’s past medical and surgical history. Past medical his…
Recommended Resources
- Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources. Disclosure: Included below are affiliate links from Amazon at no additional cost from you. We may earn a small commission from your purchase. For more information, check out our privacy policy. 1. Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition) An awesome book to hel…
See Also
- Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan: 1. Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. 2. Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing Our comprehensive guid…
References and Sources
- Recommended journals, books, and other interesting materials to help you learn more about constipation nursing care plansand nursing diagnosis: 1. Barnett, J. (2010). Constipation Prevention In The Elderly(Doctoral dissertation). 2. Blake, M. R., Raker, J. M., & Whelan, K. (2016). Validity and reliability of the Bristol Stool Form Scale in healthy adults and patients with diarrhea…