title: Assessing constipation.
abstract: This paper discusses the generic view of defaecation and examines the mechanisms contributing to constipation. Although it is recognised that there are specific causes that will require medical intervention, for the purpose of this paper only the general clinical management will be addressed.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maestri-Banks
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burns
mesh_terms: D003248:Constipation / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003672:Defecation; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment