Constipation

Question 1

Constipation

Answer 1

Defecation that is unsatisfactory because of infrequent stools, difficult stool passage or seemingly incomplete defecation

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Passage of hard infrequent stools

Question 3

Complications

Answer 3

Overflow diarrhoea

Acute urinary retention

Haemorrhoids

Question 4

Causes

Answer 4

Dehydration

Low-fibre diet

Medications (opiates)

Anal fissure

Hypothyroidism

Hirschsprung’s disease

Hypercalcaemia

Learning disabilities

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Correct reversible contributing factors

Laxative (movicol first line)

Faecal impaction may require a disimpaction regimen with high dose laxatives at first