Chronic Functional Constipation Risk

Chronic Functional Constipation Risk

Contents

Introduction for Nursing Diagnosis: Chronic Functional Constipation Risk

Chronic functional constipation is a condition defined by having two or more of the following symptoms for three months or longer: fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week, lumpy or hard stools, straining during bowel movements and passage of abnormally hard or large stools. This nursing diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment and long-term treatment, since functional constipation can be a chronic problem.

Nursing Diagnosis

Definition

Risk For Constipation, Chronic Functional: At risk for difficulties in elimination that are directly related to long-term inadequate elimination of feces as evidenced by a decrease in the number of spontaneous bowel activity

Defining Characteristics

Subjectives

  • Complains of decreased number of bowel movements
  • Complains of difficulty in passing stools
  • Complains of severe abdominal discomfort
  • Reports of reduced desire to eat

Objectives

  • Abdominal distention with flatus
  • Absence/delay of expected defecation
  • Abnormal delayed emptying of small intestines
  • Reduced voiding or defecation reflexes
  • Inadequate vs. excessive standing time

Related Factors

  • Inadequate fluid intake: Decreased fluid helps decrease natural laxative effect of water, ionized salts, and bacteria present in the body.
  • Indigestible fibers: Low intake of dietary fibers causes increased absorption of water into bodies colon and leads to rumination.
  • Ineffective or delayed Elimination: Patients, at times, ignore their urge to pass stool and this leads to further constipation and distention.
  • Inappropriate diet: For some, eating lots of animal proteins, fats and highly processed foods contributes to constipation.
  • Lack of physical activity: When a person is less active the rate at which digested food travels down the intestines slows and results in constipation.
  • Medication side effects: Certain medications can affect the motility of the GI tract and result in constipation.

Risk Population

  • Young infants and Elderly: Changes in lifestyle, diet, and medications can lead to constipation in these age groups.
  • Pregnant Women: Hormonal fluctuations and compression of pelvic organs can cause constipation.
  • People with Sedentary Lifestyle: People who don’t perform any physical activity are more prone to constipation.
  • People on Iron Supplements: Iron supplements can lead to constipation due to the constipation associated with the mineral's absorption process.
  • People Experiencing Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, worry, or fear can bring on constipation.

Associated Problems

Anal fissures, involuntary diarrhea, hemorrhoids, urinary retention, delays in seeking medical attention can be associated problems due to chronic functional constipation.

Suggestions for Use

In order to assess the risk for chronic constipation, nurses need to collect information from patient's history and physical findings, cultures and laboratory tests, drug profiles, and patient's perception of health.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses

  • Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity: Friction and shear may damage skin mucous membranes due to decreased activity level resulting in constipation.
  • Ineffective Health Maintenance: Patient Exhibit misinformation, misconceptions and/or misunderstanding of health care needs related to constipation treatment.

Usage Tips

  • Assess pattern and frequency of elimination.
  • Discuss and provide patient education regarding the importance of a high fiber diet, adequate fluid intake and regular physical activity.
  • Assess for presence of physical impediments to normal elimination pattern.
  • Provide privacy, comfort, and proper positioning to support elimination.
  • Identify medications known to cause constipation and options for replacement.

NOC Results (with Explanation)

  • Bowel elimination: Ability to eliminate fecal material in an appropriate manner (frequency, consistency, and amount) that is comfortable and socially acceptable.
  • Nutritional management: The ability to meet nutritional needs through food intake and attend to physiologic demands associated with nutrition.
  • Health Maintenance: The ability to recognize and take necessary steps to prevent or minimize the impact of the disease process or injury.
  • Skin integrity: The ability to maintain a healthy integumentary system, free of damage or evidence of dysfunction.

NIC Interventions (with Explanation)

  • Bowel Management: Assist patient with strategies to achieve desired bowel pattern by using interventions such as position changes, breath holding and relaxation techniques.
  • Nutritional monitoring: Monitor patient’s dietary intake and nutrient utilization, providing guidance as appropriate.
  • Health Education: Provide patient/family information and instruction on disease management, promoting symptom control and prevention.
  • Skin surveillance: Provide ongoing assessments of patient’s skin integrity and intervene when the skin is compromised.

Conclusion

Chronic functional constipation is a condition defined by having two or more of the following symptoms for three months or longer: fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week, lumpy or hard stools, straining during bowel movements and passage of abnormally hard or large stools. It is important for nurses to provide comprehensive assessment and long-term treatments for this condition, as it can be a chronic problem. To assess the risk for chronic constipation, nurses need to collect information from patient's history and physical findings, cultures and laboratory tests, drug profiles, and patient's perception of health.

FAQ

  • What is chronic functional constipation? Chronic functional constipation is a condition defined by having two or more of the following symptoms for three months or longer: fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week, lumpy or hard stools, straining during bowel movements and passage of abnormally hard or large stools.
  • What are the related factors for this condition? Inadequate fluid intake, indigestible fibers, ineffective or delayed elimination, inappropriate diet, lack of physical activity, and medication side effects can all contribute to the development of constipation.
  • What intervention strategies are suggested for assessing and managing this condition? Assess pattern and frequency of elimination, discuss and provide patient education regarding the importance of a high fiber diet, adequate fluid intake, and regular physical activity, assess for presence of physical impediments to normal elimination pattern, provide privacy, comfort, and proper positioning to support elimination, identify medications known to cause constipation and options for replacement.

Isabella White

Hello to all nursing enthusiasts! I'm Isabella White and I'm thrilled to welcome you to this space dedicated to the exciting world of nursing. Let me share a little about myself and what we can expect together on this journey. About Me: Nursing is more than just a profession to me, it's a calling. When I'm not caring for my patients or learning more about health and wellness, you'll find me enjoying the great outdoors, exploring new trails in nature, or savoring a good cup of coffee with close friends. I believe in the balance between caring for others and self-care, and I'm here to share that philosophy with you. My Commitment to You: In this space, I commit to being your reliable guide in the world of nursing. Together, we'll explore health topics, share practical tips, and support each other on our journeys to wellness. But we'll also celebrate life beyond the hospital walls, finding moments of joy in the everyday and seeking adventures that inspire us to live fully. In summary, this is a place where nursing meets life, where we'll find support, inspiration, and hopefully a little fun along the way. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey. Welcome to a world of care, knowledge, and connection! Sincerely, Isabella White

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