Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty passing stools. The nursing diagnosis “Risk for Constipation” is used to identify individuals who are at risk for developing constipation and are in need of interventions to prevent the condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the NANDA nursing diagnosis for risk of 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 the risk of constipation.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
According to NANDA International, the nursing diagnosis for risk of constipation is defined as “at risk for a decrease in frequency or difficulty passing stools.”
Defining Characteristics
Subjective
- Patient reports infrequent bowel movements
- Patient reports difficulty passing stools
- Patient reports abdominal discomfort or pain
- Patient reports feeling of incomplete evacuation
Objective
- Patient has infrequent bowel movements as per standards of normal bowel movement frequency
- Patient has difficulty passing stools as per examination and testing (such as fecal testing for consistency, osmotic gap and fecal leukocytes)
- Patient has abdominal discomfort or pain as per examination and vital signs
- Patient has feeling of incomplete evacuation as per examination and patient report
Related Factors
- Medications (such as opioids, anticholinergics, and iron supplements)
- Medical conditions (such as IBS, IBD, and hypothyroidism)
- Inactivity or decreased physical activity
- Insufficient fiber and fluid intake
- Aging
- Surgeries (such as abdominal or pelvic surgeries)
- Travel
Risk Population
Individuals who are at risk for constipation include the elderly, those with certain medical conditions, those taking certain medications, and those who have decreased physical activity or a low fiber and fluid intake. Individuals who have had abdominal or pelvic surgeries or who travel frequently may also be at risk for constipation.
Associated Problems
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Fecal impaction
- Hemorrhoids
- Fecal incontinence
- Rectal prolapse
- Anal fissures
- Urinary retention
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections
Suggestions for Use
- Assess the patient’s current bowel elimination patterns and any related symptoms
- Identify any potential contributing factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits
- Implement interventions to prevent constipation, such as providing education on proper hydration, diet, and physical activity, and administering medications as prescribed
- 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 Diagnoses
- Constipation
- Impaired skin integrity
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
Usage Tips
- Be aware of the patient’s current bowel elimination patterns and any related symptoms
- Identify and address any potential contributing factors, such as medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits
- Implement interventions to prevent constipation, such as providing education on proper hydration, diet, and physical activity, and administering medications as prescribed
NOC Results with Explanation
- Bowel elimination: The patient’s bowel elimination patterns will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to prevent constipation
- Hydration status: The patient’s hydration status will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to prevent dehydration related to constipation
- Nutrition: The patient’s nutrition status will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to prevent malnutrition related to constipation
- Mobility: The patient’s mobility will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to prevent activity intolerance related to constipation
- Skin integrity: The patient’s skin integrity will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to prevent skin impairment related to constipation
- Comfort: The patient’s comfort will be monitored and interventions will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to constipation
NIC Interventions with Explanation
- Fiber and fluid management: Interventions will be implemented to increase the patient’s fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation, such as providing a high-fiber diet and encouraging increased water intake
- Exercise and activity promotion: Interventions will be implemented to promote physical activity, such as providing a plan for regular exercise and encouraging the patient to engage in regular physical activity
- Medication management: Interventions will be implemented to manage any medications that may contribute to constipation, such as adjusting dosages or switching to alternative medications as prescribed
- Bowel training: Interventions will be implemented to train the patient on proper bowel habits and techniques, such as scheduled toilet use and abdominal massage
- Enema or laxative use: Interventions will be implemented to address fecal impaction, such as administering enemas or laxatives as prescribed
- Comfort measures: Interventions will be implemented to alleviate any discomfort related to constipation, such as heat therapy or pain medication as prescribed
- Patient education: The patient will be provided with education on proper hydration, diet, physical activity, and bowel habits to prevent constipation
Conclusion
Risk for constipation is a condition characterized by the potential for infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. The nursing diagnosis “Risk for Constipation” is used to identify individuals who are at risk for developing constipation and are in need of interventions to prevent the condition. Understanding the related factors, associated problems, and interventions for risk of constipation is important for healthcare professionals to provide effective care for patients. Implementing interventions such as providing education on proper hydration, diet, and physical activity, and administering medications as prescribed can help to prevent constipation and improve patient outcomes.