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Prevention and management of constipation in adults

Author: Brigitte Rosemarie Collins, Lorraine O’Brien

Duration: 2 hours Last updated: 2024 Quality Assurance: Peer-reviewed Level: Qualified nurses, Students Language: English

Course description

The aim of this module is to assist readers to understand the factors that contribute to constipation in adults and inform them of the most up-to-date treatment options available.

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Learning aims and intended outcomes

  • Describe the signs and symptoms of constipation in adults
  • Outline the factors that contribute to the development of constipation and discuss the strategies used to prevent this condition
  • Assess a patient, service user or resident presenting with constipation
  • Describe the different types of laxatives available to treat adults with constipation and their mode of action
  • Understand the use of irrigation in the management of constipation
  • Explain the use of biofeedback therapy in treating adults with constipation

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Prevalence of constipation
  • Causes of constipation
  • Assessment
  • Prevention of constipation
  • Management of constipation
  • Medical management
  • Other medications used in constipation
  • Rectal suppositories and enemas
  • Rectal irrigation
  • Biofeedback therapy
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
  • Surgical management
  • Complementary therapies
  • Conclusions

Authors

BR
Brigitte Rosemarie Collins
Lead nurse, St Mark’s Hospital, Harrow, England.
LO
Lorraine O’Brien
Clinical nurse specialist, St Mark’s Hospital, Harrow, England.

Disclaimer

Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Prevalence of constipation
  • Causes of constipation
  • Assessment
  • Prevention of constipation
  • Management of constipation
  • Medical management
  • Other medications used in constipation
  • Rectal suppositories and enemas
  • Rectal irrigation
  • Biofeedback therapy
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
  • Surgical management
  • Complementary therapies
  • Conclusions

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