title: Diagnosis and management of functional constipation: a common pediatric problem.
abstract: : Constipation may be functional, anatomic, neurologic, obstructive, endocrine, metabolic, or medicinal. This article will review the common presentation of functional constipation, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and management guidelines in pediatric primary care. Implications for nurse practitioners and directions for future research will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Brenda Petersen is an assistant director of nursing at Caldwell University, Caldwell, N.J.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Petersen
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003248:Constipation / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D064701:Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D059017:Primary Care Nursing