Teenage constipation: a case study

Gastroenterol Nurs. 2002 Nov-Dec;25(6):253-6. doi: 10.1097/00001610-200211000-00006.

Abstract

Constipation is a problem of significant magnitude. It can have a devastating impact on a patient's personal life. There are many causes of constipation. Among them are dietary factors such as decreased fiber and low fluid intake, decreased activity, lack of privacy for defecation, pharmacologic agents, physiologic problems such as bowel obstruction or metabolic disorders, and psychosocial distress. A young teenage boy is followed through a series of emergency room visits, office visits, and a hospitalization related to his experiences with constipation. A bowel program was identified and instituted with successful outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Constipation / nursing
  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Defecation / physiology
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome