Constipation Flashcards

1
Q

Constipation symptoms

A

Difficulty passing stools
Passing stools less frequently than usual
Abdominal discomfort
Hard dry stools

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2
Q

Causes of constipation

A

Lack of exercise
Lack of fibre
Drugs
Lack of fluids

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3
Q

What drugs can cause constipation

A

Codeine
Antacids (aluminium)
Antispasmodics
Antidepressants
Diuretics
Iron supplements
Anti epileptic meds

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4
Q

Red flags of constipation

A

Adult >2 weeks
Children > 1 week
Black, red or tarry tools (gastric ulcer)
Clay like stools (Hepatotoxicity)
Continuous tiredness (anaemia)
Laxative abuse
Unexpected weight/ appetite loss
Drug induced constipation
Failed treatment
Pregnant women unless advised by GP to buy otc

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5
Q

A patient presents to you with constipation; he says his stools look tarry and black, what do you suspect and how to respond?

A

Refer to GP
suspect gastric ulcer

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6
Q

A patient with constipation feels continuous tiredness and fatigue, what could this be?

A

Anaemia
Refer to GP

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7
Q

A patient with constipation has unexpected weight and appetite loss, suspect ___

A

Carcinoma
Refer to GP

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8
Q

A patient with constipation has weight gain, coarse hair, lethargy, dry skin

Suspect____

A

Hypothyroidism
Refer to GP

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9
Q

A patient with constipation suffers from clay like stools, suspect____

What medication could be causing this

A

Hepatotoxicity

Amiodarone

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10
Q

1st line constipation treatment

A

Lifestyle- increased fibre, exercise at least 5 days a week 30-60mins, increased fluids and fruit

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11
Q

If lifestyle changes isn’t effective in constipation, offer
Give examples of this class

A

Bulk laxatives
- sterculia
- methyl cellulose
- isphagula

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12
Q

SE of bulk laxatives

A

If not taken with water can cause oesophageal obstruction/ intestinal obstruction

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13
Q

Which is the safest laxative in pregnancy

A

Bull laxatives
- methyl cellulose
- sterculia
- isphagula

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14
Q

If bulk laxatives are in effective in constipation offer:

Give examples

A

Osmotic laxatives
- lactulose
- macrogol

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15
Q

Onset of bulk laxatives

A

24hrs but full effect in 2-4 days

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16
Q

Onset of methycellulose

A

24hrs but full effect in 2-3 days

17
Q

onset of osmotic laxatives

18
Q

Lactulose onset

19
Q

Macrogol onset

20
Q

Osmotic laxatives SE

A

Flatulence
Cramps
Abdominal discomfort

21
Q

Stimulant laxatives examples

A

Senna
Bisacodyl
Sodium picosulfate
Glycerol suppository

22
Q

Treatment if constipation

A
  1. Lifestyle
  2. Bulk forming laxatives
  3. Osmotic
  4. Stimulant
23
Q

Onset of stimulant laxatives

A

6-12 hours

24
Q

Suppositories onset

A

Immediately

25
Senna can colour urine……
Red/ brown
26
Which laxative colours the urine red/brown
Senna
27
Can we use stimulant laxatives in pregnancy
No
28
When can you refuse to sell laxatives OTC
When you suspect laxative abuse
29
Which is better for constipation, soluble or insoluble fibre and why
Insoluble Adds bulk to faeces and so passes through gut quicker
30
Recommended fibre intake daily
30g
31
Diarrhoea symptoms
Increased frequency of bowel movements Soft watery stools Abdominal cramps, flatulence, nausea Urgent need
32
Causes of diarrhoea
Laxative overuse Bacterial/vira infection