Clinical Manifestations and Complications

• What is the first step in nursing assessment for constipation?

  Obtain subjective and objective data
• What are the clinical manifestations of constipation?

  • Ranges from chronic discomfort to acute symptoms
  • Abdominal distention/bloating
  • Dry, hard stool
  • Decreased frequency of BMs
  • Nausea
  • Straining (can cause hemorrhoids)
  • Valsalva maneuver complications
• What symptom indicates abdominal distention in constipation?

  Abdominal distention/bloating
• What type of stool is associated with constipation?

  Dry, hard stool
• What is a common change in bowel movements (BMs) due to constipation?

  Decreased frequency of BMs
• What symptom can accompany constipation and indicate discomfort?

  Nausea
• What complication can result from straining during bowel movements?

  Hemorrhoids
• What are potential complications of the Valsalva maneuver?

  Valsalva maneuver complications
• What are the complications associated with constipation?

  • Diverticulosis
  • Fecal impaction and colonic perforation
  • Anal fissures and rectal mucosal ulcers