![]() ![]() Frequency and pattern of bowel movements.To assess whether someone is experiencing constipation, it is important to assess current bowel function including: It’s important to recognize that constipation may also lead to paradoxical or ‘overflow’ diarrhea, with leakage of fluid feces past impacted stool. ![]() Environmental and Cultural Factors: Lack of privacy, lack of comfort or assistance with toileting, cultural sensitivities regarding defecation, use of a bedpan or commode, inability to get to the bathroom, females are more likely to suffer from chronic constipation, patients > 65 are at high risk of chronic constipation.GI Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities, pelvic tumor mass, radiation fibrosis, pelvic and/or rectal pain inhibiting defecation, IBS.Weakness/Fatigue: Proximal myopathy, central myopathy, abdominal muscle weakness.Metabolic: Dehydration, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, uremia, hypothyroidism, diabetes.Neurologic: Spinal cord infiltration, spinal cord impingement, rule out cord compression if back pain and cancer, cerebral tumors, autonomic dysfunction.Diet: Anorexia, reduced food intake, reduced fluid intake, low-fiber diet, diet high in saturated fats, diet high in processed grains, chocolate.Medications: Opioids, anticholinergics, antacids, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, antiemetics, antitussives, antidiarrheals, antiparkinsonians, neuroleptics, antidepressants, iron/calcium supplements, diuretics, and chemotherapeutic agents.It is preventable and treatable across the board. It can significantly diminish the quality of life, increase stress and financial burden, and result in preventable complications, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and death due to colonic perforation. Normal bowel movement pattern is disruptedĬonstipation is a common and independent predictor of delirium among the cognitively impaired.Many times, it goes unrecognized and is often undertreated. Constipation is one of the most stressful symptoms experienced by patients with a serious illness. ![]()
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