Nursing Diagnoses for Rectal Prolapse

A rectal prolapse occurs when the tissue in the rectum protrudes through the anus. It can cause discomfort and embarrassing fecal incontinence, and may require surgery to correct. Nursing diagnoses treat both physical and psychological concerns related to this condition.

Symptoms

• The main sign of a rectal prolapse is a red mass protruding from the anus, particularly after a bowel movement. Bleeding from the anus or blood in the stool may also result.

Causes

• Educating the patient about the causes may help prevent future recurrences or give them a sense of power over the condition. Causes include constipation, injury, cystic fibrosis and pinworm infection.

Physical Risks

• Rectal prolapse can cause constipation and malnutrition or malabsorption of nutrients. Diagnoses of physical risks may include "risk for constipation" or "risk for imbalanced nutrition."

Psychological Risks

• Because of the possibility of fecal incontinence, this condition can cause low-self esteem or feelings or powerlessness. A possible diagnosis may be "risk for situational low self-esteem related to uncontrolled bowel movements."

Treatment

• Warm compresses are usually placed against the mass to push it back in. A teaching diagnosis, such as "readiness for enhanced management of therapeutic regimen" may enable the patient to manage the condition himself.