Description

Contact hours available until 4/30/2016

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online CNE evaluation.

Authors Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
The authors, editor, and education director reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
No commercial support or sponsorship declared.

Accreditation Statement:

This educational activity is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and AMSN.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA)

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered nursing, Provider Number, CEP 5387.

The purpose of this continuing nursing education article is to increase nurses’ and other health care professionals’ awareness of prevention and treatment of constipation on the medical-surgical unit. After studying the information presented in this article, you will be able to:
1. Discuss the prevalence of constipation in hospitalized patients and the role of nurses in assessment.
2. Describe each of the three categories of constipation.
3. Identify the types of laxatives that can be used to relieve constipation, and explain the indications and response of each.
4. Provide non-pharmacologic resolutions for constipation.