Constipation: Signs and Symptoms, and Nursing Interventions for Prevention and Treatment

Course overview

Constipation is one of many very common diagnoses given to people within the intellectual/developmental disabilities community. It can be due to many factors, including: medication, fluid intake, diet and fiber intake, and body anatomy, to name a few. Constipation can lead to multiple health concerns and poor health outcomes, not to mention discomfort, This round table will discuss the following: signs and symptoms of constipation, a review of research articles that discuss potential causes of constipation, a review of the Bristol Stool Chart, potential charts for recording frequency of bowel movements, ideas for developing person-centered bowel protocols, and nursing interventions to help prevent and treat the occurrence of constipation.