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Introduction for Nursing Diagnosis: Chronic Functional Constipation Risk
Chronic Functional Constipation Risk is a condition in which individuals experience frequent constipation lasting longer than two months. It is often caused by improper diet, lack of exercise, decrease in fluid intake, medications, and other causes not related to an underlying illness or disorder. Constipation can be a risk factor for complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, dehydration, and fecal impaction. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of constipation in order to intervene with appropriate treatment and prevention measures.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
NANDA, or the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, is the official nomenclature of nursing diagnoses accepted wordwide and standardized across organizations. The nursing diagnosis for Chronic Functional Constipation Risk is defined as: At risk for infrequent elimination of feces over an extended period of time due to factors such as limited mobility, dietary changes, medications, or other dependent on chronological age and the individual's needs.
Defining Characteristics
Subjectives
- Abdominal discomfort/pain
- Bloating
- Inability to pass gas or stool
- Passage of small stool amounts
- Stool leakage
Objectives
- Reduced bowel frequency (less than three per week)
- Hard, dry stools
- Need for manual assistance to pass stool
- Straining during defecation
- Disruptive periods of withholding stools
- Deconditioning: Lack of physical activity or bed rest can lead to weakening of the abdominal muscles, causing slow digestion.
- Dietary: Eating patterns of high fat, low fiber, low water or caloric intake can lead to difficulty eliminating stool.
- Environmental: Being in unfamiliar situations or noise can be a contributing factor to constipation.
- Medications: Taking certain medications can increase the risk of constipation
Risk Population
Chronic Functional Constipation Risk is most common among elderly people, infants, and people living with chronic illnesses. Being confined to bed or wheelchair for a long period of time can increase the risk of developing constipation. Additionally, individuals who are taking multiple medications simultaneously are at a heightened risk of developing constipation.
Associated Problems
Constipation can worsen existing medical problems or cause new ones, such as:
- Dehydration
- Fecal impactions
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Malnutrition
Suggestions of Use
People at risk of developing constipation should implement lifestyle modifications that increase physical activity, encourage more fluids and adequate intake of dietary fiber and food sources of water. In addition, it may be beneficial to keep a daily log to track bowel habits, symptoms, diet, and medications.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
Depending on the individual's history, presenting problems, and other factors, the following NANDA diagnoses can alternatively be considered for Chronic Functional Constipation Risk:
- Constipation
- Ineffective Bowel Elimination
- Impaired Physical Mobility
- Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements
- Risk for Fluid Volume Deficit
Usage Tips
- Encourage behavior change and lifestyle modification to reduce the risk of developing constipation and its associated complications.
- Maintain open communication with the patient and provide education about the risks associated with chronic functional constipation.
- Monitor and assess the patient’s understanding immediately after further intervention.
- Reassess the patient’s status on a regular basis.
- Consider patient preferences when planning interventions.
- Modify interventions to fit the patient’s condition and stage of life cycle.
- Encourage the patient to take responsibility for their health.
NOC Results
- Bowel Elimination: Ability to control passage and expulsion of stool from the rectum.
- Bowel Continence: Ability to control urge to defecate.
- Bowel Movement Frequency: Frequency and amount of stool passed.
- Knowledge: Awareness of correct nutrition, activity level and prevention of constipation.
- Nutrition: Intake of nutrients to meet metabolic needs.
NIC Interventions
- Bowel Stimulation: Coordinating exercises or maneuvers to stimulate defecation response.
- Nutrition Management: Focus on increasing fiber and fluid intake while decreasing fat and refined carbohydrate intake.
- Patient Teaching: Education of patient and caregiver on proper diet, exercise, and medication management.
- Bowel Retraining: Scheduling defecation responses to normalize rhythm.
- Safety Management: Promotion of safety to prevent potential setback in recovery.
Conclusion
Chronic Functional Constipation Risk is a serious and chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. Early recognition, assessment, and treatment is key to successful management. With the appropriate strategies and interventions, patients can achieve better health outcomes.
FAQs
- What is the definition of Chronic Functional Constipation Risk?
- At risk for infrequent elimination of feces over an extended period of time due to factors such as limited mobility, dietary changes, medications, or other dependent on chronological age and the individual's needs.
- Which population is at risk of developing constipation?
- Elderly people, infants, those living with chronic illnesses, those confined to bed or wheelchair, and those taking multiple medications are among those most at risk.
- What are the associated problems of constipation?
- Constipation can worsen existing medical problems or cause new ones, such as dehydration, fecal impactions, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and malnutrition.
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