Evaluating and managing constipation in the elderly

Urol Nurs. 2007 Jun;27(3):191-200, 212; quiz 201.

Abstract

Constipation is common in the elderly because of age-related physiologic changes and polypharmacy. Secondary constipation is treated by correcting underlying pathology or reducing predisposing factors. Primary constipation is amenable to dietary adjustments, education and behavioral training, and laxatives when necessary.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Cathartics / therapeutic use
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Constipation / diagnosis*
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Cost of Illness
  • Decision Trees
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Gastrointestinal Transit / drug effects
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Geriatric Nursing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lactulose / therapeutic use
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Polypharmacy
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Toilet Training

Substances

  • Cathartics
  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Lactulose