Geriatric Syndromes. Constipation

Constipation is defined as excessively dry stool output, low (less than 50g/día) or infrequent (less than two bowel movements per week). This is most often caused by:

• .Low fiber diet
• Lack of physical activity.
• Not drinking enough water.
• Delay to go to the bathroom when you have the urge to defecate.
• Stress and travel can also contribute to constipation or other changes in bowel habits.

 

In this case, nursing through health education plays an important role. Then, I will show methods of prevention and treatment for constipation:

• Drink plenty of fluids each day (at least 8 glasses of water per day).
• Eating foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes, etc..).
• Exercise regularly.
• Go to the bathroom when you have the urge and not wait.
• Administration of laxatives or enemas.

 

 

Bibliography:

• National Library of Medicine U.S. - MedlinePlus. [Website *]. [Revised 14/05/2013, updated 13/05/2013]. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/ency/article/003125.htm
• Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO. [Website *]. [Revised 14/05/2013, updated 09/05/2013]. Available at: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?pid=S1130-01082006000400010&script=sci_arttext