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CONSTIPATION
CONSTIPATION
• Is a term used to describe an abnormal
infrequency or irregularity of defecation,
abnormal hardening of stools that makes
their passage difficult and sometimes
painful, a decrease in stool volume, or
retention of stool for a prolonged period.
CONSTIPATION
• Causes:
– Medications: Tranquilizers, anticholinergics,
antidepressants, opiods
– Rectal or anal disorders: Hemorrhoids
– Obstruction
– Metabolic, neurologic and neuromuscular
conditions (DM, Hirschsprung’s dse,
parkinson’s, MS)
– Endocrine disorders
– IBS, diverticular dse
– Immobility
– Dietary habits
CONSTIPATION
• CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
– Abdominal distention
– Borborygmus
– Pain and pressure
– Decreased appetite
– Headache
– Fatigue
– Indigestion
– Straining at stool
– Small, hard, dry stools
CONSTIPATION
• COMPLICATIONS:
– Hypertension
– Fecal impaction
– Hemorrhoids and fissures
– Megacolon
CONSTIPATION
• MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:
– Education
– Bowel habit training
– Increase fiber and OFI
– Judicious use of laxatives:
• Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil)
• Magnesium OH
• Mineral oil
• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
ABNORMALITIES OF
FECAL ELIMINATION
DIARRHEA
DIARRHEA
• Increased frequency of bowel movements,
increased amount of stool, and altered
consistency of stool.
• Frequent causes:
– IBS
– IBD
– Lactose intolerance
– Medications, endocrine disorders, infection
• Can be acute or chronic
DIARRHEA
• TYPES:
– Secretory
– Osmotic
– Mixed
• CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
– Increased frequency and fluid content of stools
– Abdominal cramps
– Distention
– Intestinal rumbling
– Anal spasms and tenesmus
– S/sx of dehydration
DIARRHEA
• The characteristic of the stools can tell the
location of the g.i. problem
• DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:
– CBC
– Urinalysis
– Stool exam
– Endoscopy
– Barium enema
DIARRHEA
• COMPLICATIONS:
– Potential for cardiac dysrhythmia
• NURSING INTERVENTIONS:
– Monitoring through physical assessment
– Bed rest
– Increased OFI
– No intake of foods that increase intestinal
motility
– Administer antidiarrheal meds: Diphenoxylate
and loperamide
– Perianal hygiene
FECAL INCONTINENCE
FECAL INCONTINENCE
• The involuntary passage of stool from the
rectum
• Possible causes:
– Trauma
– Neurologic disorders
– Infection
– Radiation treatment
– Fecal impaction
– Pelvic floor relaxation
– Laxative abuse
– Advancing age
FECAL INCONTINENCE