Connolly M, Larkin P. Managing constipation: a focus on care and treatment in the palliative setting.
Br J Community Nurs 2012;
17:60, 62-4, 66-7. [PMID:
22306597 DOI:
10.12968/bjcn.2012.17.2.60]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Constipation can cause unnecessary discomfort and suffering for patients, and there appears to be a lack of awareness among nurses and doctors about its cause, impact and management. A large proportion of the evidence for the assessment and management of constipation in the context of palliative care is derived from the perspective of advanced cancer and from guidelines developed at a European level. Although constipation remains a problem for palliative care patients, early intervention combined with continuous and impeccable assessment can assist in its management and improve patient comfort at the end of life.
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