The Constipation Assessment Scale can be used to assess patients with constipation and to monitor their response to therapy.
Findings:
(1) abdominal distention or bloating
(2) change in amount of gas passed rectally
(3) less frequent bowel movements
(4) oozing liquid stool
(5) rectal fullness or pressure
(6) rectal pain with bowel movement
(7) small volume of stool
(8) unable to pass stool
Problem
Points
no problem
0
some problem
1
severe problem
2
constipation assessment scale =
= SUM(points for all 8 findings)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 18
• The higher the score, the worse the constipation.
Broussard (1998) modified the score for pregnant women, using a 5 point scale scored 0-4, giving a total score range of 0 to 32 (0-8 no or minimal, 9-16 some, 17-24 some to moderate, 25-32 moderate to severe).
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