Perceived constipation

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

The nursing diagnosis for perceived constipation is defined as "an individual's perception or belief that they are experiencing constipation, despite objective measures indicating otherwise." This diagnosis is applicable when a patient reports symptoms of constipation, but objective measures do not support this belief.

Defining Characteristics

Subjective

• Patient reports infrequent bowel movements: Subjective complaint of less frequent than normal bowel movements.
• Patient reports difficulty passing stools: Subjective complaint of challenges in passing stools.
• Patient reports hard and dry stools: Subjective observation of stool consistency.
• Patient reports abdominal discomfort, cramping, distention, or feeling of incomplete evacuation: Subjective indications of discomfort or incomplete bowel movements.

Objective

• Patient has normal bowel movements as per standards of normal bowel movement frequency: Objective measurement indicating the patient's bowel movements are within the normal frequency range.
• Patient reports difficulty passing stools or hard and dry stools, but examination and testing (such as a manual rectal examination or a rectal evacuation study) do not support these symptoms: Objective assessment conflicting with the patient's reported symptoms.
• Patient has no abdominal discomfort, cramping, distention, or feeling of incomplete evacuation as per examination and testing: Objective assessment contradicting the patient's reported discomfort or incomplete evacuation.

Related Factors

• Anxiety or depression: Psychological factors influencing the perception of constipation.
• Previous history of constipation or other gastrointestinal issues: Past experiences contributing to the perception of constipation.
• Lack of understanding or knowledge about normal bowel habits: Insufficient awareness affecting the perception of bowel habits.
• Cultural or societal beliefs about bowel habits: Cultural factors shaping the individual's perception of normal bowel habits.
• Certain medications (such as antidepressants, antacids, and opioids) may cause symptoms of constipation: Medications influencing bowel function and contributing to perceived constipation.

Risk Population

• Individuals who have anxiety or depression, previous history of constipation or other gastrointestinal issues, lack of understanding or knowledge about normal bowel habits, cultural or societal beliefs about bowel habits, or are taking certain medications are at risk for developing perceived constipation.

Associated Problems

• Perceived constipation can lead to a variety of problems, including:
• Reduced quality of life: Negative impact on overall well-being due to the perception of constipation.
• Increased healthcare utilization and costs: Higher healthcare utilization and associated costs related to perceived constipation.
• Increased use of laxatives or other medications: Unnecessary use of medications based on the perceived need for constipation relief.
• Increased risk of complications from overuse of laxatives or other medications: Potential harm due to excessive use of medications.
• Increased anxiety or depression related to gastrointestinal symptoms: Psychological distress linked to perceived constipation and its symptoms.

Suggestions for Use

• Assess the patient's current bowel habits and any related symptoms: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's reported bowel habits and associated symptoms.
• Identify any potential contributing factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits: Investigate underlying causes that may be influencing the perception of constipation.
• Conduct a physical examination and any necessary testing (such as a manual rectal examination or a rectal evacuation study) to determine if objective measures support the patient's symptoms of constipation: Use objective measures to assess and validate the reported symptoms.
• Implement interventions to address perceived constipation, such as providing education on normal bowel habits and addressing any underlying psychological or cultural factors: Take actions to correct misconceptions and address contributing factors.
• Monitor the patient's response to interventions and adjust as needed: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary modifications.
• Consider referral to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management if necessary: Involve healthcare professionals for additional assessment and intervention as required.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis

• Anxiety: Presence of excessive worry or fear affecting the patient's perception of constipation.
• Depression: A mood disorder influencing the patient's overall well-being and perception of constipation.
• Ineffective Health Maintenance: Challenges in maintaining optimal health, including the perception of constipation.

Usage Tips

• Be aware of the patient's current bowel habits and any related symptoms: Stay informed about the patient's reported bowel habits and associated signs and symptoms.
• Identify and address any potential contributing factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits: Investigate and manage factors that may be influencing the perception of constipation.
• Conduct a physical examination and any necessary testing to determine if objective measures support the patient's symptoms of constipation: Use objective measures to assess and validate the reported symptoms.
• Implement interventions to address perceived constipation, such as providing education on normal bowel habits and addressing any underlying psychological or cultural factors: Apply strategies to correct misconceptions and address contributing factors.

NOC Results

• Bowel elimination: Continuous monitoring of the patient's bowel elimination patterns will be performed, with interventions implemented to address perceived constipation.
• Health beliefs: The patient's understanding and beliefs about normal bowel habits will be assessed, and interventions will be implemented to address any misconceptions or cultural beliefs contributing to perceived constipation.
• Mood: The patient's mood will be monitored, and interventions will be implemented to address any anxiety or depression related to perceived constipation.
• Comfort: The patient's comfort will be monitored, and interventions will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to perceived constipation.
• Health promotion and maintenance: Interventions will be implemented to promote the patient's understanding of normal bowel habits and prevent the development of perceived constipation in the future.

NIC Interventions

• Bowel education: The patient will be provided with education on normal bowel habits and strategies for promoting regular bowel movements.
• Mood management: Interventions will be implemented to address and manage any anxiety or depression related to perceived constipation.
• Cultural sensitivity: The patient's cultural or societal beliefs about bowel habits will be addressed, and interventions will be implemented to promote understanding and acceptance of normal bowel habits.
• Comfort measures: Comfort measures, such as heat therapy, will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to perceived constipation.
• Health promotion: Interventions will be implemented to promote the patient's understanding of normal bowel habits and prevent the development of perceived constipation in the future.