CONSTIPATION

What is Constipation?

Constipation means you are having a hard time going poop. You may poop less often than usual, or your poop may be hard and dry, making it painful to pass. It’s common and can happen to anyone.

Causes of Constipation

Constipation can be caused by:

• Not eating enough fiber (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
  
  

• Not drinking enough water
  
  

• Not moving around enough (not being active)
  
  

• Holding in your poop too long
  
  

• Certain medicines (like pain pills or iron pills)
  
  

• Some health problems (like diabetes or thyroid issues)
  
  

• Stress or changes in your routine
  
  

Common Symptoms

• Pooping less than 3 times a week
  
  

• Hard, dry, or lumpy poop
  
  

• Pain when trying to poop
  
  

• Feeling like you still need to go, even after you went
  
  

• Bloated belly or stomach cramps
  
  

How to Prevent Constipation

You can help stop constipation by:

• Drinking 6–8 glasses of water a day
  
  

• Eating more fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains
  
  

• Going for walks or staying active each day
  
  

• Going to the bathroom when you feel the urge—don’t hold it
  
  

• Taking your medicine as your doctor tells you
  
  

• Talking to your nurse or doctor before using laxatives (poop medicine)
  
  

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

• You haven’t pooped in more than 3 days
  
  

• You have stomach pain that won’t go away
  
  

• You feel sick to your stomach or throw up
  
  

• You notice blood in your poop or on the toilet paper
  
  

• You are losing weight and don’t know why
  
  

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if:

• You have very bad belly pain
  
  

• You are throwing up and can’t keep food or water down
  
  

• You haven’t pooped in a week or more and feel very sick
  
  

• You see a lot of blood in your poop or vomit
  
  

Other Important Information

• Constipation is common and can usually be managed at home.
  
  

• Always let your nurse or doctor know if it keeps happening.
  
  

• Don’t ignore your body when it tells you to go.
  
  

• Never be embarrassed to talk about your bathroom habits—your health matters!
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement and circle either “True” or “False”. Correct each False Statement,

1. True or False – Constipation means your poop is soft and comes out easily.
   
   

2. True or False – Eating more fiber can help prevent constipation.
   
   

3. True or False – Holding your poop in often can cause constipation.
   
   

4. True or False – You should drink 6–8 glasses of water each day to help with constipation.
   
   

5. True or False – It is okay to ignore the urge to poop if you are busy.
   
   

6. True or False – Being active, like walking, can help prevent constipation.
   
   

7. True or False – Going to the bathroom less than 3 times a week could mean constipation.
   
   

8. True or False – Constipation can make your belly feel bloated or crampy.
   
   

9. True or False – You should always call your doctor before taking any laxative.
   
   

10. True or False – Certain medicines can cause constipation.
    
    

11. True or False – You should go to the ER if you see a little bit of blood on the toilet paper.
    
    

12. True or False – Losing weight without trying could be a sign something is wrong.
    
    

13. True or False – Drinking soda and juice is the best way to avoid constipation.
    
    

14. True or False – Constipation can be caused by stress or changes in your daily routine.
    
    

15. True or False – Throwing up and not being able to eat or drink can be a sign to go to the ER.
    
    

16. True or False – Constipation is always a sign of a serious disease.
    
    

17. True or False – Talking to your doctor about your poop is important.
    
    

18. True or False – You should try to go poop at the same time every day.
    
    

19. True or False – Constipation is something only older people get.
    
    

20. True or False – Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep you regular.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification: How often do you have bowel movements, and do you experience hard stools, straining, or discomfort?

Activity Impact / Safety: Has constipation affected your daily activities, such as work, exercise, or comfort at home, and have you noticed any safety concerns like dizziness from straining?

Treatment Adherence: Are you following any prescribed treatments or recommended strategies, such as fiber supplements, medications, or stool softeners, and are they helping?

Preventive Measures: What lifestyle changes are you implementing to prevent constipation, such as increasing dietary fiber, drinking more water, or maintaining regular physical activity?

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911 people that are interested obviously these secret society