Constipation

Decreased frequency and/or change to smaller/harder stools.

Almost all people will have issues with constipation at some point, but patients in hospice are especially prone to developing severe constipation

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Causes

Decreased activity

Changes in diet with less fiber, less fluid

Medications - Very common cause

Symptoms

Decreased frequency of stool, harder to pass

Abdominal discomfort/pain

Fullness sensation in rectum

In patients with Dementia, can present as increased agitation

Sometimes constipation can present as small liquid stools due to 'overflow' from a fecal impaction

What to Do

  • Increase fluids (if safe) and increase activity if able

  • Laxatives have been provided by Hospice

  • It is not necessary to have a bowel movement every day, but should not strain or be passing hard stools

When to Call the Hospice

  • No bowel movement for more than 2 days

  • Increasing pain or discomfort

  • Passage of blood in stool

  • Increasing agitation

  • LAXATIVES SHOULD ALWAYS BE TAKEN IF USING OPIOID PAIN MEDICATIONS
    (unless told otherwise by the Hospice Team)

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