Nurse's Pocket Guide

perceived CONSTIPATION
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation
Criteria—Client Will:
• Verbalize understanding of physiology of bowel function.
• Identify acceptable interventions to promote adequate bowel
function.
• Decrease reliance on laxatives/enemas.
• Establish individually appropriate pattern of elimination.
Actions/Interventions
NURSING PRIORITY NO. 1.To identify factors affecting individual
beliefs:
• Determine client’s understanding of a “normal” bowel pattern
and cultural expectations.
• Compare with client’s current bowel functioning.
• Identify interventions used by client to correct perceived
problem to identify strengths and areas of concern to be
addressed.
NURSING PRIORITY NO. 2. To promote wellness (Teaching/
Discharge Considerations):
• Discuss physiology and acceptable variations in elimination.
• Identify detrimental effects of habitual laxative and/or enema
use and discuss alternatives.
• Review relationship of diet, hydration, and exercise to bowel
elimination.
• Provide support by active-listening and discussing client’s
concerns/fears.
• Encourage use of stress-reduction activities/refocusing of
attention while client works to establish individually appropriate
pattern.
• Offer educational materials/resources for client/SO to peruse
at home to assist them in making informed decisions
regarding constipation and management options.
• Refer to ND Constipation
Documentation Focus
ASSESSMENT/REASSESSMENT
• Assessment findings/client’s perceptions of the problem.
• Current bowel pattern, stool characteristics.
PLANNING
• Plan of care/interventions and who is involved in the planning.
• Teaching plan.
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
200 Cultural Collaborative Community/Home Care