Abstract

The purpose of this guideline is to reduce the frequency and severity of constipation among older adults through the use of adequate hydration and dietary fibre, regular consistent toileting and physical activity. Achieving and maintaining a pattern of normal bowel elimination will prevent constipation, decrease the use of laxatives, and improve the quality of life for older adults. There is no agreed upon definition of constipation in the clinical and research communities (Koch, Voderholzer, Klauser & MullerLissner,1997). Some authors maintain that defining constipation on the basis of symptoms is misguided (Probert, Emmett & Heaton, 1995).

Author Details

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario is the professional body representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario.

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Lead Author Affiliation

Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Type

Best Practice Guideline

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Clinical Practice Guideline(s)

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Constipation, Older Adults

Identifier Type

ISBN

Publisher

Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Version

Publisher's Version

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

External Evaluation: Organization-based Material

Acquisition

Publisher-submission

Date of Issue

2011

Full Text of Presentation

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Best Practice Guideline

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