Alteration in Bowel Elimination: Constipation

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.

Assess ment	Plan and Outcome [Check those that apply]	Target Date:	Nursing Interventions [[Check those that apply]	Evaluation
	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:________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________