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Constipation, patients and lifestyles
Author(s) -
Ling Julie
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1016/s1090-3801(99)90171-4
Subject(s) - constipation , medicine , specialty , intensive care medicine , physical therapy , family medicine
Constipation is an issue which nurses in palliative care deal with on a day‐to‐day basis. As with many problems in this specialty, constipation is multifactorial in nature and therefore it can be a complex problem to treat. It is known to be caused or exacerbated by the use of opiods and therefore should be anticipated and treated prophylactically. Good assessment is important and a thorough history of the patient's bowel habits and patterns should be obtained. Management of constipation should incorporate both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches. Education plays an important role in both the prevention and treatment of constipation. In conclusion, the nursing care of patients with constipation is aimed at providing a realistic and acceptable bowel pattern for each patient as an individual according to patient need, general condition and lifestyle.