Article
Upgrade

Managing Constipation in the Older Adult

CPDTime.
10m of CPD
Constipation is a medical issue to be taken seriously, particularly when present in the older adult. Older adults are considered to be a primary at-risk group for chronic constipation. In fact, it’s estimated that older adults are five times more likely to develop constipated-related problems than younger adults.

What's included in this resource?

  • CPDTime.
    10m of CPD
  • Article
  • 3 Assessment Questions
  • References
  • External Resources

What is this article about?

Constipation is often defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. It also encompasses the passing of hard, dry bowel motions that are infrequent, difficult to pass, or both. Constipation can usually be prevented and treated by maintaining a high fibre diet, increasing water intake and exercising regularly.

Contents

Test Your Knowledge

  • 3 Assessment Questions

Further Learning

  • Additional Resources
  • References

Document and reflect on your learning

  • CPDTime.
    10m of CPD

Meet the educator

educator profile image
Ausmed
Editorial Team
Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
View Profile

What do others think?

584 reviews by Ausmed Learners
Sort by
Highest Rated
Lowest Rated
Most Recent
JL
Josie Lowing
25 Aug 2021
Very informative
KB
Kathryn BRENNAN
23 Aug 2021
Information good
JP
jane prezma
20 Nov 2022
Registered Nurse
import review of this common problem
KB
Kelly Brown
01 Mar 2020
Informative
Portrait of Brooke-Lynn Mann
Brooke-Lynn Mann
06 Nov 2020
Good foundational information about constipation and prevention. Very applicable and easily implemented to improve patient care and comfort l.
KS
Kimheang Sao
13 Oct 2021
Very good resource
JS
Judy Sitienei
18 Oct 2022
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
precise
DJ
Deborah Jewell
04 Aug 2023
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
,
JR
Jane Remedios
16 Nov 2022
Very relevent
KG
Kathryn Green
25 Oct 2022
Informative
4.5 / 5
1 star
0%
2 star
1%
3 star
11%
4 star
29%
5 star
59%

Looking for something else?

Discover more learning

There are so many different subjects on Ausmed! I thought it'd be hard to find the resources I need for complicated procedures or rarer conditions, but they've had everything I've looked for so far.

- Jacob, Enrolled Nurse