nursing care management
unfortunately, constipation tends to be self-perpetuating a child who has difficulty or discomfort when attempting to evacuate the bowels has a tendency to retain the bowel. nursing assessment begins with a history of bowel habit; diet; events that may be associated with the onset of constipation; drugs or other substances that the child may be taking; and the consistency, color, frequency, and other characteristics of the stool. if there is no evidence of a pathologic condition that requires further investigation, the nurse's major task is to educate the parents regarding normal stool patterns and to participate in the education and treatment of the child.
dietary modifications are helpful in preventing constipation. fiber is an important part of the diet. parents benefit from guidance about foods high in fiber (box 33-4) and ways to promote healthy food choices in children. if bran is added to the diet, creative ways to disguise the consistency, such as adding it to cereal, peanut butter, mashed potatoes, fruit shakes, and baked goods, are helpful. beans are often fould in maxican dishes children enjoy and can be added to soups, salads, and stews. beyond the age when foreign body aspiration is a hazard, a good source of fiber is corn and popcorn.