Risk for chronic functional constipation

Domain 3. Elimination and exchange
Class 2. Gastrointestinal function
Diagnostic Code: 00236
Nanda label: Risk for chronic functional constipation
Diagnostic focus: Functional constipation

Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Chronic Functional Constipation

Constipation is a condition experienced by many people and it can lead to more serious health complications. It is important to recognize the symptoms of constipation and intervene with early diagnosis, proper treatment and preventive measures. A nurse's role in recognizing, diagnosing and treating constipation is to ensure that the patient is safe and receives the best possible care.

NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition

The NANDA nursing diagnosis for risk for chronic functional constipation (RFCFC) is defined as a state in which an individual is at risk of developing an impaired ability to evacuate stool due to life style or environmental factors. This includes physiological, psychological, social and environmental components. The goal of the nursing intervention is to reduce or prevent the development of the constipation and alleviate current symptoms.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing constipation. These include insufficient physical activity, a poor diet, lack of dietary fiber and fluids, depression or other mental illness, dehydration, medications such as opiates or antidepressants, and changes in environment or lifestyle.

At Risk Population

Those at higher risk of developing chronic constipation include the elderly, pregnant women and those taking certain medications. Children, particularly those under age three, are also at an increased risk due to their still developing digestive systems. People with chronic illnesses, and those taking medications, such as diuretics, are also at greater risk.

Associated Conditions

Constipation can lead to a variety of health complications, including rectal prolapse, fecal impaction, irritable bowel syndrome, urine retention and even urinary tract infections. It can also lead to emotional distress and discomfort due to the associated symptoms and effects of constipation, such as abdominal pain and cramping.

Suggestions for Use

It is important to provide proper education and support to those who are at risk for developing constipation. Such support may include suggestions for lifestyle modifications, such as increasing dietary fiber and fluids and engaging in daily physical activity. Other measures may include the use of stool softeners and laxatives as needed.

Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnoses

Alternative NANDA nursing diagnoses related to risk for chronic functional constipation include Impaired Skin Integrity, Risk for Urinary Retention and Deficient Knowledge: Lifestyle Habits.

Usage Tips

For usage of this nursing diagnosis, it is important to closely monitor patients to determine any changes in dietary or lifestyle habits, as well as identify any potential sources of environmental stress. Also, regular monitoring of bowel movements and reporting of symptoms is necessary to provide timely intervention and follow-up care.

NOC Outcomes

NOC outcomes related to risk for chronic functional constipation include Bowel Incontinence Control, Bowel Elimination, Knowledge: Disease Process, and Health Seeking Behaviors.

Evaluation Objectives and Criteria

Evaluation objectives and criteria for risk for chronic functional constipation include identifying patients at risk, providing adequate information and support to engaged individuals, and assessing response to interventions. Additionally, the effectiveness of the patient's lifestyle and dietary modifications should be monitored and evaluated.

NIC Interventions

NIC interventions related to risk for chronic functional constipation include Bowel Management, Fluid Management, Diet Planning, Activity Planning, and Emotional Support.

Nursing Activities

Nursing activities associated with risk for chronic functional constipation include providing patient and family education on constipation, providing emotional support, assisting with management of urinary incontinence, promoting adequate hydration, providing dietary guidance and counsel, reinforcing appropriate toileting practices, monitoring the patient's response to interventions, and partnering with other healthcare providers to provide patient-centered care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, risk for chronic functional constipation is a common medical condition experienced by many people and can lead to more serious health consequences if not identified and addressed in a timely manner. Early recognition, diagnosis and timely intervention can help to reduce the effects of this condition. Nurses play a critical role in helping to identify those at risk, providing education and support, and monitoring and responding to the response to interventions.

FAQs

1. What is risk for chronic functional constipation?
Risk for chronic functional constipation is a state in which an individual is at risk of developing an impaired ability to evacuate stool due to lifestyle or environmental factors.

2. Who is at risk for developing constipation?
Those at higher risk for developing chronic constipation include the elderly, pregnant women and those taking certain medications. Children, particularly those under age three, are also at an increased risk due to their still developing digestive systems. People with chronic illnesses, and those taking medications such as diuretics, are also at greater risk.

3. What are some associated health complications with chronic constipation?
Constipation can lead to a variety of health complications, including rectal prolapse, fecal impaction, irritable bowel syndrome, urine retention and even urinary tract infections. It can also lead to emotional distress and discomfort due to the associated symptoms and effects of constipation such as abdominal pain and cramping.

4. What types of interventions can be used to reduce the risk of developing chronic constipation?
Interventions to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic constipation include lifestyle or environmental modifications, such as increasing dietary fiber and fluids and engaging in daily physical activity. Medications such as stool softeners and laxatives can also be used as needed.

5. What is the role of a nurse in managing constipation?
A nurse's role in managing constipation revolves around educating and supporting those who are at risk, monitoring the effectiveness of interventions and responding to the patient's response to interventions. Additionally, a nurse will partner with other healthcare professionals to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.