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