Constipation Classifications

• oReliefs Constipation in :
• o1. ppl with limited activity, poor food intake
• o2. pt preparing for diagnostic tests or surgery (empty intestinal track)
• o3. conjunction w/ medications to counteract the medications' constipating properties

pts should not become dependent b/c habitual use is the main cause of constipation

LAXATIVES should NOT given to pt's w/ abdominal pain since increasing peristalsis can adversely effect the intestinal conditions

facilitate mixing of fat and water in stool; easy to expel, Little laxative effect

* Saline Cathartics: cause water to be retained. Bowel distention caused increased peristalsis and decreased intestinal transit time. Stool is SemiFluid

* Stimulant Cathartics: STRONGEST most ABUSED laxative. irritate GI mucosa, pull water into bowel lumen. feces move thru bowel too fast to allow absorption, stool is watery

• cause stool to absorb h2o and swell stimulating peristalsis and defecation
• o1. may interfere w/ absorption of Ca+, iron, and certain drugs
• o2. Contraindication in bedridden pt w/ intestinal strictures
• o3. Can be expensive

• Lubricate fecal mass and slows absorption of water from fecal mass
• o1. May interfere w/ absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• o2. CAN BE ASPIRATED causing lipid pneumonia

• o1. MOST ABUSED LAXATIVE
• o2. lazy bowel syndrome
• o3. affect absorption of Ca+ and Vitamin D
• o4. ALTER ELECTROLYTE TRANSPORT
• o5. not recommended for elderly

• o1. not recommended for the elderly
• o2. Dehydration can occur
• o3. NOT recommended for pt w/ Heart Failure or Kidney Disease