Podcast
Questions and Answers
How is constipation generally defined?
How is constipation generally defined?
- Having more than 3 bowel movements per week
- Having a bowel movement only once a month
- Having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week that are characterized by straining and the difficult passage of hard, dry stools (correct)
- Having a constant urge to have a bowel movement
What is a characteristic of constipation?
What is a characteristic of constipation?
- Passing loose, watery stools
- Feeling hungry all the time
- Having a bowel movement every hour
- Passing hard, dry stools (correct)
What is a primary cause of constipation?
What is a primary cause of constipation?
- Eating too much fiber
- Having a UTI
- Inadequate intake of fluids
- Slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract (correct)
What is a result of the abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon?
What is a result of the abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon?
What is essential for eliminating stools?
What is essential for eliminating stools?
What can contribute to diet-related constipation?
What can contribute to diet-related constipation?
What is a consequence of dehydration?
What is a consequence of dehydration?
What is a effect of dietary fiber on the intestines?
What is a effect of dietary fiber on the intestines?
What is a factor that aids in proper bowel function?
What is a factor that aids in proper bowel function?
What is a consequence of ignoring the urge to empty the bowel?
What is a consequence of ignoring the urge to empty the bowel?
Which of the following medications is likely to induce constipation?
Which of the following medications is likely to induce constipation?
What is a common reason for self-care laxative use?
What is a common reason for self-care laxative use?
What is a symptom of constipation?
What is a symptom of constipation?
What can help establish a pattern of regular bowel movements?
What can help establish a pattern of regular bowel movements?
Which of the following is a lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?
Which of the following is a lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?
What is a factor that can increase bowel motility?
What is a factor that can increase bowel motility?
What is the primary goal of treating constipation?
What is the primary goal of treating constipation?
What is a possible complication of straining to pass hard stool?
What is a possible complication of straining to pass hard stool?
What is the definition of chronic constipation?
What is the definition of chronic constipation?
What is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation?
What is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation?
What can occur if hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine?
What can occur if hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine?
What can straining to defecate result in?
What can straining to defecate result in?
Fecal impaction is a complication of straining to defecate.
Fecal impaction is a complication of straining to defecate.
Increasing fluid intake is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation.
Increasing fluid intake is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation.
Rectal bleeding is a result of hemorrhoids.
Rectal bleeding is a result of hemorrhoids.
The primary goal of treating constipation is to relieve symptoms.
The primary goal of treating constipation is to relieve symptoms.
Exercise is not a treatment for constipation.
Exercise is not a treatment for constipation.
Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered acute.
Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered acute.
Constipation is usually characterized by having more than 3 bowel movements per week.
Constipation is usually characterized by having more than 3 bowel movements per week.
Dietary fiber reduces the bulk of fecal mass in the intestines.
Dietary fiber reduces the bulk of fecal mass in the intestines.
All cases of constipation are caused by secondary factors.
All cases of constipation are caused by secondary factors.
Dehydration can only cause constipation in patients who are already experiencing constipation.
Dehydration can only cause constipation in patients who are already experiencing constipation.
A low-calorie diet is not a contributing factor to diet-related constipation.
A low-calorie diet is not a contributing factor to diet-related constipation.
The abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon always results in diarrhea.
The abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon always results in diarrhea.
Psychological conditions cannot cause constipation.
Psychological conditions cannot cause constipation.
Good abdominal muscle tone can hinder proper bowel function.
Good abdominal muscle tone can hinder proper bowel function.
All medical conditions can cause constipation.
All medical conditions can cause constipation.
Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to diarrhea.
Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to diarrhea.
Exercise decreases muscle tone and promotes constipation.
Exercise decreases muscle tone and promotes constipation.
Opiates are a type of medication that can induce constipation.
Opiates are a type of medication that can induce constipation.
Antacids, such as calcium and aluminum compounds, can help prevent constipation.
Antacids, such as calcium and aluminum compounds, can help prevent constipation.
Bowel retraining is only necessary for individuals who have had rectal surgery.
Bowel retraining is only necessary for individuals who have had rectal surgery.
Anorexia is a common symptom of constipation.
Anorexia is a common symptom of constipation.
All medications listed can induce constipation in some individuals.
All medications listed can induce constipation in some individuals.
What is the primary characteristic of stools in patients experiencing constipation?
What is the primary characteristic of stools in patients experiencing constipation?
What is the consequence of the abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon?
What is the consequence of the abnormally slow movement of feces through the colon?
What is the primary factor that aids in stimulating peristalsis and eliminating stools?
What is the primary factor that aids in stimulating peristalsis and eliminating stools?
What is a common cause of secondary constipation?
What is a common cause of secondary constipation?
What is the primary goal of treating diet-related constipation?
What is the primary goal of treating diet-related constipation?
What is a common characteristic of patients experiencing constipation?
What is a common characteristic of patients experiencing constipation?
What is a common lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?
What is a common lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?
What is the primary difference between primary and secondary constipation?
What is the primary difference between primary and secondary constipation?
What can happen to rectal muscles if the urge to empty the bowel is ignored or suppressed?
What can happen to rectal muscles if the urge to empty the bowel is ignored or suppressed?
What is a common consequence of taking multiple medications, particularly those that induce constipation?
What is a common consequence of taking multiple medications, particularly those that induce constipation?
What is the purpose of bowel retraining in cases of constipation?
What is the purpose of bowel retraining in cases of constipation?
What is a lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?
What is a lifestyle characteristic that can contribute to constipation?
What is a common presenting symptom of constipation, besides decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools?
What is a common presenting symptom of constipation, besides decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools?
What type of medication is likely to induce constipation, particularly in patients with conditions that can induce constipation?
What type of medication is likely to induce constipation, particularly in patients with conditions that can induce constipation?
What can occur if the nerve pathways that regulate bowel movements are damaged or degenerated?
What can occur if the nerve pathways that regulate bowel movements are damaged or degenerated?
What is a factor that can increase muscle tone and promote bowel motility?
What is a factor that can increase muscle tone and promote bowel motility?
What are the potential complications of straining to pass hard stool?
What are the potential complications of straining to pass hard stool?
What are the three primary goals of treating constipation?
What are the three primary goals of treating constipation?
What is a potential consequence of straining to defecate?
What is a potential consequence of straining to defecate?
What is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation that can provide immediate relief?
What is a non-pharmacological treatment for constipation that can provide immediate relief?
What is a potential consequence of ignoring the urge to empty the bowel?
What is a potential consequence of ignoring the urge to empty the bowel?
What is the definition of chronic constipation?
What is the definition of chronic constipation?
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) ______.
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) ______.
Patients may describe constipation as ______ to have a bowel movement.
Patients may describe constipation as ______ to have a bowel movement.
Constipation usually results from the abnormally slow movement of feces through the ______.
Constipation usually results from the abnormally slow movement of feces through the ______.
Dietary fiber dissolves or swells in the ______ fluid, which increases the bulk of fecal mass.
Dietary fiber dissolves or swells in the ______ fluid, which increases the bulk of fecal mass.
A diet that is low in ______, carbohydrates, or fiber may contribute to diet-related constipation.
A diet that is low in ______, carbohydrates, or fiber may contribute to diet-related constipation.
Inadequate intake of ______ may also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Inadequate intake of ______ may also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Primary constipation is often characterized by ______ than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract.
Primary constipation is often characterized by ______ than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract.
Secondary causes of constipation include systemic, neurological, or ______ disorders.
Secondary causes of constipation include systemic, neurological, or ______ disorders.
Gravity and good ___________ muscle tone also aid in proper bowel function.
Gravity and good ___________ muscle tone also aid in proper bowel function.
Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes ___________ motility.
Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes ___________ motility.
Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can eventually lead to ___________.
Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can eventually lead to ___________.
Nerve pathways may degenerate and stop sending the signal to ___________.
Nerve pathways may degenerate and stop sending the signal to ___________.
Opioid induced ___________ is a common reason for self care laxative use.
Opioid induced ___________ is a common reason for self care laxative use.
Anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and ___________ distress are symptoms of constipation.
Anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and ___________ distress are symptoms of constipation.
Bowel retraining often is necessary to establish a pattern of regular ___________ movements.
Bowel retraining often is necessary to establish a pattern of regular ___________ movements.
Calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate, can contribute to ___________.
Calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate, can contribute to ___________.
Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered to be ______ and may require more sustained and aggressive therapy directed by a health care provider.
Constipation continuing over several weeks to months is considered to be ______ and may require more sustained and aggressive therapy directed by a health care provider.
Straining to pass hard stool can lead to ______, anal fissures with rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
Straining to pass hard stool can lead to ______, anal fissures with rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
The primary goals of treatment are to ______ constipation and reestablish normal bowel function.
The primary goals of treatment are to ______ constipation and reestablish normal bowel function.
Adjusting the diet to include foods high in ______, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in some form of exercise are lifestyle modifications.
Adjusting the diet to include foods high in ______, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in some form of exercise are lifestyle modifications.
Straining to defecate may result in ______ pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Straining to defecate may result in ______ pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
If hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine, ______ impaction or rectal ulcers may occur.
If hard stool is packed very tightly in the rectum or intestine, ______ impaction or rectal ulcers may occur.
Match the characteristics of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the characteristics of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the causes of constipation with their types:
Match the causes of constipation with their types:
Match the dietary factors with their effects on constipation:
Match the dietary factors with their effects on constipation:
Match the consequences of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the consequences of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the effects of various factors on bowel function:
Match the effects of various factors on bowel function:
Match the characteristics of patients with constipation:
Match the characteristics of patients with constipation:
Match the effects of various factors on stool characteristics:
Match the effects of various factors on stool characteristics:
Match the causes of secondary constipation:
Match the causes of secondary constipation:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following lifestyle characteristics with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following lifestyle characteristics with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following symptoms with their potential relationship to constipation:
Match the following symptoms with their potential relationship to constipation:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following lifestyle characteristics with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following lifestyle characteristics with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following symptoms with their potential relationship to constipation:
Match the following symptoms with their potential relationship to constipation:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following medications with their potential effect on bowel function:
Match the following complications of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following complications of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following non-pharmacological treatments for constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following non-pharmacological treatments for constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following goals of treating constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following goals of treating constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following consequences of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following consequences of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of constipation with their descriptions:
Match the following consequences of straining to defecate with their descriptions:
Match the following consequences of straining to defecate with their descriptions:
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Constipation: Introduction
- Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
- Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.
Etiology
- Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
- Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
- Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
Diet-Related Constipation
- A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
- Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
- Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
- Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.
Medications and Constipation
- Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
- Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.
Signs and Symptoms
- Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
- Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.
Complications
- Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
- Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
- Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Treatment of Constipation
- The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
- Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.
Constipation: Introduction
- Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
- Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.
Etiology
- Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
- Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
- Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
Diet-Related Constipation
- A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
- Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
- Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
- Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.
Medications and Constipation
- Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
- Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.
Signs and Symptoms
- Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
- Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.
Complications
- Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
- Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
- Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Treatment of Constipation
- The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
- Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.
Constipation: Introduction
- Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
- Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.
Etiology
- Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
- Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
- Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
Diet-Related Constipation
- A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
- Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
- Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
- Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.
Medications and Constipation
- Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
- Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.
Signs and Symptoms
- Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
- Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.
Complications
- Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
- Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
- Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Treatment of Constipation
- The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
- Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.
Constipation: Introduction
- Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
- Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.
Etiology
- Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
- Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
- Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
Diet-Related Constipation
- A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
- Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
- Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
- Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.
Medications and Constipation
- Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
- Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.
Signs and Symptoms
- Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
- Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.
Complications
- Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
- Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
- Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Treatment of Constipation
- The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
- Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.
Constipation: Introduction
- Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint characterized by having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining and passing hard, dry stools.
- Patients may experience straining, passing small stools, feeling incomplete bowel evacuation, or decreased stool frequency.
Etiology
- Causes of constipation include medical conditions, medications, psychological and physiologic conditions, and lifestyle characteristics.
- Primary constipation can be characterized by slower than normal movement of fecal matter through the GI tract or defecatory disorders.
- Secondary causes include systemic, neurological, or psychological disorders, and structural abnormalities that result in obstruction.
Diet-Related Constipation
- A diet low in calories, carbohydrates, or fiber can contribute to constipation.
- Inadequate fluid intake can also promote constipation in patients who are dehydrated.
Lifestyle Characteristics
- Gravity and good abdominal muscle tone aid in proper bowel function.
- Exercise increases muscle tone and promotes bowel motility.
- Avoiding the urge to empty the bowel can lead to constipation and may require bowel retraining.
Medications and Constipation
- Medications can contribute to constipation, especially in patients taking multiple medications and those with conditions that can induce constipation.
- Selected drugs that may induce constipation include analgesics, antacids, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and others.
Signs and Symptoms
- Decreased frequency or difficulty passing stools, accompanied by other symptoms such as anorexia, dull headache, lassitude, low back pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and psychosocial distress.
- Chronic constipation continuing over several weeks to months may require more sustained and aggressive therapy.
Complications
- Straining to pass hard stool can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or rectal prolapse.
- Fecal impaction or rectal ulcers may occur if hard stool is packed tightly in the rectum or intestine.
- Straining to defecate may result in blood pressure surges or cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Treatment of Constipation
- The primary goals of treatment are to relieve constipation, reestablish normal bowel function, and establish dietary and exercise habits that aid in preventing recurrences.
- Treatment approaches include non-pharmacological methods such as adjusting the diet to include foods high in fiber, increasing fluid intake, and engaging in exercise.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
