Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
03:50
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
2.1K
Constipation in adults: undertaking a holistic nursing assessment.
1Senior lecturer in nursing education, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, England.
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|July 21, 2025
Summary
Constipation is common, especially in older adults. A holistic nursing assessment is key to identifying causes, preventing complications, and improving patient well-being and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Nursing
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent issue affecting all age groups, notably hospitalized older adults.
- It is characterized by infrequent or hard stools and painful bowel movements.
- Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent complications like fecal impaction and improve patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria for functional constipation.
- To detail the various types and potential underlying causes of constipation.
- To describe elements of a comprehensive, holistic nursing assessment for constipation in adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of the pathophysiology of constipation.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria for functional constipation.
- Exploration of comprehensive nursing assessment components.
Main Results:
- Constipation assessment should include pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and underlying causes.
- A holistic nursing assessment is vital for effective management.
- Key assessment elements include medication review, lab tests, well-being, quality of life, activity, and diet.
Conclusions:
- A thorough, holistic nursing assessment is essential for identifying constipation causes and ensuring effective management.
- Early identification and intervention reduce risks of complications and improve patient outcomes.
- Comprehensive assessment aids in preventing discomfort and enhancing the well-being and quality of life for patients experiencing constipation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
410
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
410
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
163
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
163
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
309
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
309
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
283
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...
283
01:29Nursing Assessment
8.1K
The two sources for collecting information are primary and secondary. After gathering information, interpretation and validation help to complete the data. The purpose of assessment is to establish data with the initial information, to interpret data about the patient's perceived needs and health problems, and to respond to these problems identified.
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...
8.1K
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
231
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
231