title: Nursing management of constipation in housebound older people.
abstract: In this article two algorithms are suggested for use by district nurses in the management of constipation in dependent older people at home. Prescribing for this group of patients requires a complex assessment of medical and social factors as 24-hour supervision is not always available and local health and social service resources may impact on the level of care that is available in terms of the provision of food and drink and the taking of medicines.
authors.affiliation: Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bentley
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D018577:Homebound Persons; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics