How to Create Nursing Care Plans for Constipation

Constipation is a problem that can affect anyone. It is a condition where hard small stool bits are difficult to eliminate. It is more common in elderly people as a result of immobility, dietary issues and disruptions in normal routines. Creating a nursing care plan is important to keep elderly patients healthy.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if there is a constipation problem. The number of bowel movements in a week ranges from person to person. Some people only have a bowel movement once every 2 or 3 days where others have them every day. Infrequent bowel movements are not constipation. Small stool that most likely requires straining to pass and may contain blood streaks in it is a sign of constipation.

• 2

  Review the dietary components of the patient. Monitor the amount of daily fiber they are consuming through fruits and vegetables as well as whole grain foods, such as cereals and breads. Fiber increases the mass of stool stimulating the muscles to push it through. Also make sure the patient is consuming enough water to remain hydrated. A dietary fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, may be given to ensure adequate fiber consumption.

• 3

  Mobilize the patient. Make sure that ambulatory patients go for walks or exercise classes that are available. The more a person moves around, the more likely he is to stimulate a bowel movement. If a patient is bed-ridden, help create a bed routine that moves each body part to improve circulation and prevent muscle atrophy.

• 4

  Review the bathroom locations and routines. Make sure the patient is comfortable and has enough privacy to relax and have a bowel movement. Also create a time during the day that is most comfortable for the patient to go to the bathroom. Muscles have memory abilities and can be more readily stimulated to have a bowel movement by sense memory of a routine.