
Within 8 hours of nursing intervention and treatment, the patient will verbalize relief from the discomfort of constipation.Within 4 hours of nursing intervention and treatment, the patient or caregiver will determine measures that will prevent recurrence of constipation.


Setting goals and expected outcomes is crucial in developing effective nursing care plans for constipation. Frequent but non-productive desire to defecate.Infrequent passage of stool- fewer than three bowel movements per week.Identifying these signs and symptoms is critical to develop an accurate nursing diagnosis for constipation and design effective nursing care plans to address patient needs. Medication use (e.g., anticholinergics, opioids, bile acid sequestrants)Ĭonstipation is a common condition that can be characterized by several signs and symptoms.Here are some factors that may cause constipation: Identifying the underlying cause of constipation is essential to develop an effective nursing care plan that can improve bowel function and relieve symptoms. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation can also lead to constipation. These factors may include a low-fiber diet, inadequate water intake, a sedentary lifestyle, certain medications, such as opioids and anticholinergics, and medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). CausesĬonstipation can be caused by various related factors that affect bowel function. Chronic constipation can lead to fecal impaction, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and anal fissure. If left untreated, constipation may progress to a more serious problem. About 33 out of 100 adults ages 60 and above have symptoms of constipation (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases).Ĭonstipation can be attributed to many causes such as mechanical factors, medications used, presence of comorbidities, and impaired rectal sensory-motor dysfunction. It is a common gastrointestinal symptom affecting many individuals and contributes to frequent hospitalizations every year.

