constipation and diarrhea Flashcards
signs and symptoms of constipation
anorexia, dull headache, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and flatulence
primary cause of constipation
inadequate dietary fiber, fluid intake, and/or exercise
structural conditions causing constipation
anal fissure and pregnancy
systemic conditions that cause constipation
- endocrine: thyroid disorders, diabetes
- IBS
- MS, neuropathy
- parkinsonism
- dementia
psychological conditions that cause constipation
depression, eating disorders, stress, changes in routine
medications that can cause constipation
anticholinergics, TCA, benzodiazepines, cholestyramine, calcium, and iron supplements
exclusions for constipation
- significant abdominal pain or cramping or distention
- unexplained flatulence
- fever or NV
- unexplained changes in bowel habits
- marked change in the character of stool
- rectal bleeding
- < 2 years of age
- anorexia
- inflammatory bowel disease, colostomy
- 14 days of symptoms or recurrences over 3 months
- 7 days of OTC treatment
non pharm therapy
gradually increase high-fiber food, increase fluid intake, exercise regularly
increase these foods for a high-fiber diet
fruits, vegetables, whole grains
decrease these foods for a high-fiber diet
meat, chest, processed foods
fiber intake for women
25 grams
fiber intake for males
38 grams
examples of bulk forming agents (fiber supplements)
methylcellulose, polycarbophil, and psyllium
onset of fiber supplements
12-72 hours
ADE of fiber supplements
abdominal discomfort and flatulence
fiber supplement precautions
swallowing difficulties, GI ulcer, high calcium content in polycarbophil, sugar content in some formulations
first choice for pregnant women
fiber supplements
MOA fiber supplements
dissolves and swells in intestines and adds bulk and water to stool
examples of emollient agents (stool softeners)
docusate
MOA of stool softeners
- surfactant
- facilitates mixture of aqueous and fatty substances to soften stool
- lower surface tension of stool, allowing more water to enter stool
onset of stool softeners
12-72 hours
ade for stool softeners
minimal
precautions of stool softeners
larger than recommended doses can lead to sweating, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeat.
contraindications with stool softeners
mineral oil`
examples of hyperosmotic agents
PEG 3350 and glycerin
MOA of hyperosmotic agents
contain large, poorly absorbed ions or molecules that draw water into the colon or rectum through osmosis
peg3350 onset
12-72 hours
glycerin onset
15-30 min
ade of peg3350
bloating, abdominal discomfort, cramping, flatulence
glycerin ade
rectal irritation