Question about avoiding constipation

[MEDICJOHN]

We know that pts recieving opiates, or bed ridden, or whatever are at risk for constipation.

And we know to increase fluids to help avoid this problem.

If a pt is NPO or otherwise unable to take PO fluids....do IV fluids still count toward evading constipation as they are parenteral?

Thank you.

John

[jrsmrs]

Just a guess, but I think I'd say no. IV fluids would be filtered and removed via the kidneys rather than the gut, right? So Those fluids wouldn't really help with motility. At the same time if the person is NPO they shouldn't have much in the way of poo anyway so I wouldn't see it as a real issue.

[MEDICJOHN]

I guess I misspoke about them being NPO, my bigger question was, would IV fluids help constipation. You're saying no...ok....we will see what other replies I get...your comment makes sense to me though....thanks for your input

[suanna]

I read a study last year that said physical activity and fluids had no effect on gut motility esp in the post surgical patient. I wish I could quote the source. My take on it- sure IV fluids will help as long as it is fast enough to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated. If the body has adequate vascular volume it woun't have to absorb every last drop of intestinal fluid to keep the circulation full. As far as NPO- most patients that are NPO for more than a day or two are at risk of constipation (and/or bowel obstruction). Once the gut is quiet for a few days it isn't so much the contents of the colon (fluids or fiber) but the lack of motility from diminished intake resulting in no stimulation that causes the gut to shut down. If nothing is going in the top the body is in no hurry to move stuff down the pipes to make room for the oncomming intake. Once that happens you are looking at a tough fight to get the gut working again. That is one of the reasons our ICU Docs try to get patients back on enteral feedings as soon as possible. Yep- it always causes diarrhea buit it is better to live with diarrhea than die from bowel obstruction.

[semester1kid]

I agree with the last post - You're body will compensate by taking fluid from the intestines when dehydrated, adding to the risk of constipation - and will do the opposite when there is an abundance of fluid and there is a particular need within the GI track. For whatever reason, through homeostasis, your body recognizes its need for fluid in many facets, but places your GI track as a lesser priority - and will take from there to tend to fluid needs elsewhere.