Alteration in Bowel Elimination: Constipation

Published on Saturday March 10th , 2007

Alteration in Bowel Elimination: Constipation

(_)Actual (_) Potential

**Related To:**
*[Check those that apply]*
(_) Malnutrition (_) Metabolic and endocrine disorders (_) Sensory/motor disorders (_) Stress (_) Immobility (_) Inadequate diet (_) Irregular evacuation pattern	(_) Drug side effects (_) Pain (upon defecation) (_) Pregnancy (_) Surgery (_) Lack of privacy (_) Dehydration (_) Other:_____________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

**As evidenced by:**
*[Check those that apply]*
Major: (Must be present)	(_) Hard formed stool and/or defecation occurs fewer than three times per week.
Minor: (May be present)	(_) Decreased bowel sounds. (_) Reported feeling of rectal fullness or pressure around rectum. (_) Straining and pain on defecation. (_) Palpable impaction.

Date &
Sign.

Plan and Outcome
[Check those that apply]

Target
Date:

Nursing Interventions
[[Check those that apply]

Date
Achieved:

The patient will:

(_) Have soft formed stool by _____ and q ___ day(s).

(_) Patient and/or significant other will verbalize an understanding of method for preventing and/or treating constipation.

(_) Assess abdomen for distention, bowel sounds q ___ hours.

(_) Assess bowel elimination q ___ hours.

(_) Asses factors responsible for constipation:

stress
discomfort
sedentary lifestyle
laxative abuse
debilitation
lack of time/privacy
drug side effect

(_) Promote corrective measures:

review daily routine
provide privacy/time
provide comfort
encourage adequate exercise

(_) Promote adequate dietary/fluid intake. Patient likes:
Fluids:_______________
____________________
Fiber foods:___________
____________________

(_) Initiate bowel program to promote defecation.

(_) Consult dietitian.

(_) Other:________________
________________________
________________________
________________________

__________________________
Patient/Significant other signature

__________________________
RN signature

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