Management of Constipation | Opioid Analgesic Treatment

Are you treating a patient with an opioid analgesic?

Did you start interventions to reduce constipation before the opioid analgesic was started?

Is the patient's stool the consistency of toothpaste?

Is the patient well-hydrated?

Is the patient as physically active as possible?

Are you avoiding the use of other medications that contribute to constipation?

Are you using the lowest dose of analgesic that is effective for the shortest period of time?

Are you treating the patient with a stool softener plus a laxative?

Does the patient have an adequate level of fiber in the diet?

Is the patient currently having significant problems with constipation?