Constipation and faecal impaction
An impacted bowel presses on the urethra and/or bladder and stretches the pelvic floor. This can result in difficulties emptying the bladder and can cause retention of urine. If a catheter is in situ, the impacted bowel can also block the catheter.
The residual urine caused by the obstruction is then prone to infection.
Soiling/faecal leakage, as can occur when severe constipation leads to overflow leakage, is another cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI) due to the faecal contamination.
Clinical practice notes – proactive care:
This condition will be explored further in Week 4: Bowel function and dysfunction.
Understanding Continence Promotion: Effective Management of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Adults
Understanding Continence Promotion: Effective Management of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Adults
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