A constipation assessment scale for use in pediatric oncology

A constipation assessment scale for use in pediatric oncology

Woolery M; Carroll E; Fenn E; Wieland H; Jarosinski P; Corey B; Wallen GR

Journal Of Pediatric Oncology Nursing

2006

PedPal Lit; Adolescent Adult Child Constipation/diagnosis/etiology/nursing Female Humans Male Neoplasms/complications/nursing Nursing Assessment/methods Pediatric Nursing/methods Pilot Projects Questionnaires Reproducibility of Results Severity of Illness Index

Constipation is prevalent in pediatric oncology patients because of treatment with vinca alkaloids and/or narcotics and lifestyle changes secondary to disease process. Sequelae of constipation include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, emergency department visits, and a decrease in quality of life. There are no reliable instruments to measure constipation in children. A pilot study (N = 21) evaluating the presence and severity of constipation and the reliability and validity of a modified version of the adult Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) in children with cancer was conducted. Patients receiving weekly vinca alkaloids and/or narcotics = 2 times per day were recruited. Initial bowel function assessments included standardized nursing and nutrition assessments, history/physical review, and baseline CAS score repeated at 1 hour to assess test-retest reliability. Subsequent assessments included CAS administered 3 times per week and daily patient bowel diaries. Test-retest reliability was evident (r = .93; P = .000). Acceptable construct validity was indicated by a difference in mean CAS scores (t = 4.4, P <.001). Patients reported difficulty with CAS questions and response selections. Symptoms asked on CAS were often not viewed as a problem.

2006

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