Acute Care Geriatric Nurse Network
British Columbia's Clicical Nurse Specialists in Geriatrics, Gerontology, Geropsychiatry, Geriatric Rehabilitation, and Nurse Continence
"Providing nurses tools for 360° vision while proactively assessing older adults in BC"
Constipation
Purpose
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Guideline for the care of a patient who is constipated.
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To provide acute care nurses with the information they need to assist older patients to maintain or restore pre-hospitalization level of bowel functioning.
Background
This bowel protocol is based on knowledge available about the normal physiological mechanisms of evacuation which, for many individuals, frequently includes an established habit pattern. In an institutional setting and at home, an established predictable bowel regime without "accidents" frees time and energy for other activities. Frequently physiological conditions change. Examples of changes include: a significant decrease in mobility, a major change in diet or the addition of constipating medications such as opiates. New habits must then be established. The ultimate goal is to establish predictable, effective bowel evacuation without leading to future exacerbation of bowel problems.
Downloads
Constipation CPG
Bowel Assessment
For Constipation
Bowel Care
Audit Tool
Care Of Impacted
Guidelines
for Bowel Record
Procedure
for Digital Stool Disimpaction
Procedure
for Insertion of Rectal Suppository
Self Study
Module Case Studies
Self Study
Module WKG
Bowel Record