James Padilla
FDU
Abstract Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It may be described as a variation in an individual 's normal bowel habit with discomfort and diminished quality of life. Medical assessment is required as the underlying cause may be due to a serious medical condition. Managing patients with constipation presents many challenges to the health care professional, not only overcoming communication barriers associated with bowel habits but also because there is no universally accepted definition. Constipation is usually multifactorial, often with complicated underlying patho-physiology and it can be influenced by physical, psychological, physiological, emotional and environmental factors. Chronic constipation is one of the most common lower gastrointestinal disorders affecting people in America and is a key health concern for healthcare providers. This is mainly accurate for patients in high-risk groups such as the elderly, patients suffering from immobility, neurologically impaired patients and those with multiple health-care needs, as well as and those admitted to the hospital or residing in a healthcare facility. Unfortunately, constipation may be regarded as less important than other conditions commonly seen in general practice. Constipation has cost implications in terms of medications, containment equipment and nursing time. The following paper will investigate a patient suffering from constipation while developing a better understanding and approach of management for such ailment.
Health Assessment and Promotion Plan Mrs. Burns a 64 years old female presents with chief complaint of being “constipated”. She states she has a bowel movement about every 3 to 4 days, feels the need to strain at defecation and her stools are hard and painful to excrete. She also has stated having frequent headaches, fatigue, a feeling of
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