an required’ basis, assess its and also be aware of any possible ‘as safe and effective administration. Tell me more… Laxative medication certainly has a part to play in the Is it also worth noting that the actions of treatment of constipation. However it should be laxatives may cause discomfort such as considered alongside all other lifestyle factors which may painful abdominal spasms, which can be lead to a reduction in the need for medication. confused with constipation itself. There is a risk that where required laxative medication Where required’ laxative medication is ‘as ‘as is used very infrequently, monitoring of bowel movements prescribed, there should be clear guidance may cease or become more informal. in the person’s support plan about when, how, and how long it should be used for. A faecal blockage can stay in a person’s bowel or colon for months or even years whilst the person appears to be Where only required’ laxative ‘as using the toilet normally. This can lead to Sepsis which is a medication is prescribed, and this is serious life threatening condition. used infrequently, monitoring of the person’s bowel movements should continue to such a time that it is agreed by the person’s G.P., Learning
an ‘as required’ basis, assess its safe and effective administration. Tell me more… Laxative medication certainly has a part to play in the treatment of constipation. However it should be considered alongside all other lifestyle factors which may lead to a reduction in the need for medication. There is a risk that where ‘as required laxative medication is used very infrequently, monitoring of bowel movements may cease or become more informal. A faecal blockage can stay in a person’s bowel or colon for months or even years whilst the person appears to be using the toilet normally. This can lead to Sepsis which is a serious life threatening condition. and also be aware of any possible Is it also worth noting that the actions of laxatives may cause discomfort such as painful abdominal spasms, which can be confused with constipation itself. Where ‘as required’ laxative medication is prescribed, there should be clear guidance in the person’s support plan about when, how, and how long it should be used for. Where only ‘as required’ laxative medication is prescribed, and this is used infrequently, monitoring of the person’s bowel movements should continue to such a time that it is agreed by the person’s G.P., Learning
Bowel-Management-Plan-Guide.docx