Perceived constipation is a condition in which an individual perceives or believes they are experiencing constipation, but objective measures do not support this belief. The nursing diagnosis “Perceived Constipation” is used to identify individuals who are experiencing symptoms of perceived constipation and are in need of interventions to alleviate the condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the NANDA nursing diagnosis for perceived constipation, as well as the defining characteristics, related factors, risk population, and associated problems. We will also provide suggestions for use, alternative NANDA diagnoses, usage tips, lists of NOC and NIC interventions, and conclude with a summary of the importance of understanding and addressing perceived constipation.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
According to NANDA International, the nursing diagnosis for perceived constipation is defined as “an individual’s perception or belief that they are experiencing constipation, despite objective measures indicating otherwise.” This diagnosis can be made when a patient reports symptoms of constipation but objective measures do not support this belief.
Defining Characteristics (Subjective and Objective)
Subjective
- Patient reports infrequent bowel movements
- Patient reports difficulty passing stools
- Patient reports hard and dry stools
- Patient reports abdominal discomfort, cramping, distention, or feeling of incomplete evacuation
Objective
- Patient has normal bowel movements as per standards of normal bowel movement frequency
- Patient reports difficulty passing stools or hard and dry stools, but examination and testing (such as a manual rectal examination or a rectal evacuation study) do not support these symptoms
- Patient has no abdominal discomfort, cramping, distention, or feeling of incomplete evacuation as per examination and testing
Related Factors
- Anxiety or depression
- Previous history of constipation or other gastrointestinal issues
- Lack of understanding or knowledge about normal bowel habits
- Cultural or societal beliefs about bowel habits
- Certain medications (such as antidepressants, antacids, and opioids) may cause symptoms of constipation
Risk Population
Individuals who have anxiety or depression, previous history of constipation or other gastrointestinal issues, lack of understanding or knowledge about normal bowel habits, cultural or societal beliefs about bowel habits, or are taking certain medications are at risk for developing perceived constipation.
Associated Problems
Perceived constipation can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Reduced quality of life
- Increased healthcare utilization and costs
- Increased use of laxatives or other medications
- Increased risk of complications from overuse of laxatives or other medications
- Increased anxiety or depression related to gastrointestinal symptoms
Suggestions for Use
- Assess the patient’s current bowel habits and any related symptoms
- Identify any potential contributing factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits
- Conduct a physical examination and any necessary testing (such as a manual rectal examination or a rectal evacuation study) to determine if objective measures support the patient’s symptoms of constipation
- Implement interventions to address perceived constipation, such as providing education on normal bowel habits and addressing any underlying psychological or cultural factors
- Monitor the patient’s response to interventions and adjust as needed
- Consider referral to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management if necessary
Suggested Alternative NANDA Diagn
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Ineffective Health Maintenance
Usage Tips
- Be aware of the patient’s current bowel habits and any related symptoms
- Identify and address any potential contributing factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits
- Conduct a physical examination and any necessary testing to determine if objective measures support the patient’s symptoms of constipation
- Implement interventions to address perceived constipation, such as providing education on normal bowel habits and addressing any underlying psychological or cultural factors
NOC Results with Explanation
- Bowel elimination: The patient’s bowel elimination patterns will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address perceived constipation
- Health beliefs: The patient’s understanding and beliefs about normal bowel habits will be assessed and interventions will be implemented to address any misconceptions or cultural beliefs that may be contributing to perceived constipation
- Mood: The patient’s mood will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to address any anxiety or depression related to perceived constipation
- Comfort: The patient’s comfort will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to perceived constipation
- Health promotion and maintenance: Interventions will be implemented to promote the patient’s understanding of normal bowel habits and prevent the development of perceived constipation in the future
NIC Interventions with Explanation
- Bowel education: The patient will be provided with education on normal bowel habits and strategies for promoting regular bowel movements
- Mood management: Interventions will be implemented to address and manage any anxiety or depression related to perceived constipation
- Cultural sensitivity: The patient’s cultural or societal beliefs about bowel habits will be addressed and interventions will be implemented to promote understanding and acceptance of normal bowel habits
- Comfort measures: Comfort measures, such as heat therapy, will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to perceived constipation
- Health promotion: Interventions will be implemented to promote the patient’s understanding of normal bowel habits and prevent the development of perceived constipation in the future
Conclusion
Perceived constipation is a condition in which an individual perceives or believes they are experiencing constipation, but objective measures do not support this belief. The nursing diagnosis “Perceived Constipation” is used to identify individuals who are experiencing symptoms of perceived constipation and are in need of interventions to alleviate the condition. Understanding the related factors, associated problems, and interventions for perceived constipation is important for healthcare professionals to provide effective care for patients. Implementing interventions such as providing education on normal bowel habits and addressing any underlying psychological or cultural factors can help to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.