NURSING CARE PLAN
Problem: Constipation
Nursing Diagnosis: Constipation r/t decreases peristalsis secondary to slowed metabolic rate and activity intolerance.
Taxonomy: Elimination Pattern
Objectives
STO:
After 3 hours of giving nursing
care patient will be able to
eliminate stool of soft semi
formed consistency which
straining.
LTO:
After 3 days of continuously
rendering nursing
interventions patient will be
able to establish normal
patterns of bowel functioning
as evidenced by intestinal
motility.
Interventions
-Determines stool color,
consistency, frequency, and
amount.
-auscultate bowel sounds.
-monitor intake and output (I &
O) with specific attention to
food/ fluid intake.
-encourage fluid intake to
2500-3000ml/day within count
cardiac tolerance.
-recommend avoiding gas
forming foods.
-assist perianal skin condition
frequently, noting changes or
beginning breakdown.
Encourage/assist with perineal
care after each bowel
movement (BM) if diarrhea is
present.
-discuss use of stool
softeners, mild stimulants,
bulk forming-laxatives, or
enemas as indicated. Monitor
effectiveness.
Dependent:
-Consult with dietitian to
provide well-balanced diet
high in fibber and bulk.
-administer antidiarrheal
medications,
e.g.,diphenoxylate
hydrochloride with atropine
(low motil), and waterabsorbing
drugs,e.g.,
Metamucil.
Rationale
-assist in identifying causative/
contributing factors and
appropriate interventions.
-bowel sounds are generally
increased in diarrhea and
decreased in constipation.
-may identify dehydration,
excessive loss of fluids or aid
in identifying dietary
deficiencies.
-assist in improving stool
consistency if constipated.
Helps maintain hydration
status if diarrhea is present.
-decreases gastric distress
and abdominal distention.
-prevents skin excoriation and
breakdown.
-facilitates defecation when
constipation is present.
-fiber resists enzymatic
digestion and absorbs liquids
in its passage along the
intestinal tract and thereby
produces bulk, which acts as
a stimulant to defecation.
-decreases intestinal motility
when diarrhea is present.
ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSIS INFERENCE PLANNING INTERVENTION RATIONALE EVALUATION

SUBJECTIVE:“Hin Constipation Constipation is a After 8 hours of Independent: 

di na ako related to very common nursing
madalas decreased condition that interventions,  Assists in
dumumi nitong dietary intake affects people of the patient will identifying
Determine stool causative or
mga nakaraang all ages. When establish or color,
araw” you are return to normal contributing
consistency, factors and
constipated, you patterns of frequency, and
( I started feel that you are bowel appropriate
having amount. interventions.
not passing functioning
infrequent bowel stools (faeces) 
movements 
as often as your
lately normally do, or Auscultate Bowel sounds
that you have to bowel sounds. are generally
) as verbalized
by the strain more than decreased in

patient.OBJECTI usual, or that constipation.
VE: you are unable Encourage fluid
to completely intake of 2500- 
 empty your 3000 ml/day Assists in
bowels. within cardiac
Abdominal pain, improving stool
Constipation can tolerance.
urgency, and consistency.
also cause your
cramping. stools to be  
unusually hard,
 Recommend Decrease gastric
lumpy, large or
avoiding gas- distress and
Altered bowel small. The
forming foods. abdominal
sounds. severity of
constipation can  distension.
 vary greatly.
Assist in 
Many people
V/S taken as perianal skin
only experience Prevents skin
follows:T: 37.1P: condition
constipation for excoriation and
88R: 18BP: frequently,
a short period of breakdown.
120/80 noting changes
time with no
lasting effects or beginning 
on their health.
For others, breakdown. Facilitates
defecation when
constipation can  constipation is
be a chronic present.
(long-term) Discuss use of
condition which stool softeners,
causes mild stimulants,
significant pain bulk-forming 
and discomfort. laxatives, or To enhance easy
Chronic enemas as defecation.
constipation can indicated.
also lead to Monitor 
complications, effectiveness.
such as faecal Fiber resists
impaction  enzymatic
(where dry, hard digestion and
stools collect in Encourage to absorbs liquids
your rectum) or eat high-fiber in its passage
faecal rich along the
incontinence foods.Collaborati intestinal tract
(where you ve: and thereby
involuntarily produces bulk,
 which acts as a
leak liquid stools
around solid Consult with stimulant to
impacted dietitian to defecation.
stools). The provide well-
treatment for balanced diet
constipation is high in fiber and
usually very bulk.
effective,
although in
some cases it
can take several
months before a
regular bowel
pattern is re-
 established

Treatments consist of:

• changes in dietary and exercise habits

• the use of laxatives, and other medical interventions depending on the underlying cause.

Prevention:

1. Drink plenty of water. Most people who suffer from constipation are dehydrated. Water is essential in moving waste matter through the
colon. Drinking 6 to 8 8-oz. glasses of water can help prevent constipation.
2. Eat a high fiber diet. Fiber is an important element in promoting healthy digestion. Fiber helps to add bulk to stools, making them easier to
pass through the bowel. Your diet should include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
3. Avoid dehydrating liquids such as soda, coffee and tea. Avoid too much alcohol consumption, as alcohol also has a dehydrating effect on
the body. Cut your intake of meat, eggs, cheese and refined processed foods.
4. Start an exercise program. Studies show that regular exercise can prevent constipation.
5. Cleanse your colon with natural remedies such as Colon Sweep. There are products available that are made with natural ingredients,
including psyllium husks, and can help to cleanse your colon of built-up waste resulting from constipation.
6. Take natural remedies such as Natural Moves that can relax the bowel, ease tension and promote regular bowel movements. Many
such products are available online or at health food stores.

Helpful Habits include:

• Have regular mealtimes, no skipped meals.

• Chew your food well.
• Eat slowly.
• Be more active. Get some daily exercise.
• Use the bathroom at a regular time each day.
Choose a time when you won’t have to rush.
• Get 7-8 hours sleep (per 24 hours).