Managing constipation using a research-based protocol

G R Hall; M Karstens; B Rakel; E Swanson; A Davidson

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Managing constipation using a research-based protocol

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Managing constipation using a research-based protocol

G R Hall, M Karstens, B Rakel, E Swanson and A Davidson

Medsurg nursing : official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, Vol.4(1), p.11

02/1995

PMID: 07874216

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Abstract

Constipation, a common health problem particularly for elderly and hospitalized patients, can cause abdominal pain, discomfort, gas, headaches, nausea, anorexia, a bad taste in the mouth, and potentially adds to functional loss and length of stay. As part of a quality improvement initiative, a research-based interdisciplinary protocol was developed to prevent constipation in hospitalized immobile vascular surgery patients. Using a combination of dietary fiber, increased fluid, and hygiene measures over a 3-year period, incidence of constipation was reduced from 59% to about 9%. The incidence of impaction was eliminated and requests for laxatives and enemas were reduced from 59% to about 8%.

Patient Care Planning

Clinical Nursing Research

Humans

Clinical Protocols

Constipation - nursing

Constipation - complications

Quality Assurance, Health Care

Details

Title: Subtitle: Managing constipation using a research-based protocol
Creators: G R Hall
M Karstens
B Rakel - University of Iowa, Nursing
E Swanson - University of Iowa, Nursing
A Davidson
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Medsurg nursing : official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, Vol.4(1), p.11
Publisher: United States
PMID: 07874216
ISSN: 1092-0811
Language: English
Date published: 02/1995
Academic Unit: Nursing
Record Identifier: 9983557519202771

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