A thorough assessment of bowel function is
required to ensure that an appropriate regimen
is started before the patient is discharged
home. It is important that patients are given
practical education and advice regarding
food and fluid intake to enable them to
achieve a manageable stool consistency and
that they are provided with straightforward
advice on strategies to achieve a suitable
bowel emptying regime (National Institute
for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE),
2007). Strategies may include:
■■Defecation after meal times to maximise
peristaltic response
■■The use of laxatives and bulking agents
■■The use of enemas
■■Manual evacuation (NICE, 2007