title: The causes and nursing management of constipation.
abstract: Constipation is a common symptom in the Western world with up to 10% of the population experiencing some difficulty with bowel evacuation. The consequences are seldom serious or life-threatening, but constipation is undoubtedly the cause of much chronic discomfort and misery. Most nurses will encounter constipated patients on a regular basis. It is therefore important for nurses to understand the causes of constipation so that an appropriate history can be taken and further investigations suggested if necessary.
authors.affiliation: Northwick Park and St Mark's NHS Trust, Harrow, Middlesex.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Norton
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics