Abstract

Constipation within congestive heart failure patients admitted to the hospital poses a significant health burden, decrease in quality of life, and potential for complications. Based on a review of literature, nursing staff are the front line of patient care for these patients and can provide individualized nursing assessments that target constipation risk factors, potentially decreasing the risk and prevalence. A nursing led Cardiac Constipation Management Tool provides an effective means of risk assessment assigning appropriate categories of constipation risk, and ultimately leading to provider notification, designated constipation order set activation, and therefore decreased constipation rates. Upon admission the tool was used, identifying a total of seven CHF admits within the month of March. Five of these tools were identified as low risk, while two were identified as medium risk. Due to the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the sample size was small without any high-risk scores. This group was compared to the prior month of CHF hospital admissions without tool use to contrast constipation rates and outcomes. Data analysis demonstrated no statistical significance found between the two groups with both sets of patients having constipation and order set activation without regards to high-risk categories from the tool. Despite risk assessment scores, the tool brought awareness of constipation within the CHF population to patients and nurses alike with great promise towards future implications within the inpatient setting.

Jordan Radel

Author Details

Jordan Radel, DNP(c), BSN-RN

Sigma Membership

Theta Tau

Lead Author Affiliation

Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Congestive Heart Failure, Constipation, Cardiac Constipation Management

Advisor

Zavala, Angela

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2020

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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