Constipation Leukemia

Need/Nursing Diagnosis/Cues Constipation related to decreased dietary intake. OBJECTIVE: 

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Abdominal pain, urgency, and cramping. Altered bowel sounds.

Scientific Analysis Constipation is a very common condition that affects people of all ages. When you are constipated, you feel that you are not passing stools (faeces) as often as your normally do, or that you have to strain more than usual, or that you are unable to completely empty your bowels. Constipation can also cause your stools to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small. The severity of constipation can vary greatly. Many people only experience constipation for a short period of time with no lasting effects on their health. For others, constipation can be a chronic (long-term) condition which causes significant pain and discomfort. Chronic constipation can also lead to complications, such as faecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in your rectum) or faecal incontinence (where you involuntarily leak liquid stools around solid impacted stools). The treatment for constipation is usually very effective,

Nursing Intervention

Objective

After 8 hours of nursing interventions, the patient will establish or return to normal patterns of bowel functioning

Rationale

Evaluation

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Assists in identifying causative or contributing factors and appropriate interventions.

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Bowel sounds are generally decreased in constipation.

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Assists in improving stool consistency.

After 8 hours of nursing interventions, the patient was able to establish or return to normal patterns of bowel functioning

Encourage fluid intake of 2500-3000 ml/day within cardiac tolerance.

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Decrease gastric distress and abdominal distension.

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Recommend avoiding gasforming foods.

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Prevents skin excoriation and breakdown.

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Assist in perianal skin condition frequently, noting changes or beginning breakdown.

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Facilitates defecation when constipation is present.

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To enhance easy defecation.

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Fiber resists enzymatic digestion and absorbs liquids in its passage along the intestinal tract and thereby produces bulk, which acts as a stimulant to defecation.

Independent:  Determine stool color, consistency, frequency, and amount.

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Auscultate bowel sounds.

Discuss use of stool softeners, mild stimulants, bulk-forming laxatives, or enemas as indicated. Monitor effectiveness. Encourage to eat high-fiber rich foods.

Collaborative:  Consult with dietitian to provide well-balanced diet high in fiber and bulk.