Neurology Edited by Professor Emeritus Desire' Dubounet, IMUNE

_____________________________________________________________________Diagnostic Division: EliminationDefinition: [change is an individual’s bowel movements characterized by a decrease infrequency and passage of hard/dry feces.]SUPPORTING DATAETIOLOGYLess than adequate intake, dietary intake and bulk, physical activity or immobilityChronic use of medication and enemasNeuromuscular/musculoskeletal impairmentLack of privacyPersonal habitsMedicationsGastrointestinal obstructive lesionsPain on defecationDiagnostic proceduresWeak abdominal musculatureEmotional statusPregnancyDEFINING CHARACTERISTICSSubjectiveFrequency less than usual patternLess than usual amount of stoolReported feeling of abdominal or rectal fullness or pressureNauseaObjectiveHard-formed stoolStraining at stoolPalpable massDecreased bowel sound[Abdominal distention]Other possible defining characteristics [under consideration by NANDA]:Abdominal painHeadacheDecreased appetiteUse of laxativesBack painInterference with daily livingAppetite impairment