AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO…: All the following are causes of constipation EXCEPT?

AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

Explanation

The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a primary cause of constipation.
Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation by promoting bowel movements.
While chronic abuse of laxatives can paradoxically lead to dependency and constipation (a condition known as cathartic colon), their primary action is to relieve, not cause, constipation.
The other three options are all direct, common, and primary causes of constipation related to stool formation and transit time.

Option A: This is a direct cause of constipation. Insufficient fluid intake leads to the large intestine absorbing more water from the stool, resulting in hard, dry feces that are difficult to pass.
Option C: This is a direct cause of constipation. Slowed movement of fecal matter through the colon (decreased motility) allows for excessive water reabsorption, leading to hard, dry stools.
Option D: This is a direct cause of constipation. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the stool, which stimulates peristalsis. An inadequate intake of fiber results in smaller, less bulky stools that move more slowly through the colon.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Constipation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in assessing for constipation and educating patients on prevention strategies.
Assessment should include asking about bowel habits, diet, fluid intake, activity level, and medication use (especially opioids, anticholinergics, and iron supplements).
Patient teaching is the first-line intervention: increase dietary fiber to 25-30 g/day, ensure adequate fluid intake (around 2-3 liters/day unless contraindicated), and encourage regular physical activity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question by spotting the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that is not a cause of constipation.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology.
Analyze Option A (Decreased fluid): Recognize that less water leads to harder stool. This is a cause.
Analyze Option C (Decreased motility): Recognize that slower transit time in the colon increases water absorption, causing hard stool. This is a cause.
Analyze Option D (Inadequate fibre): Recognize that less fiber means less bulk to stimulate the bowel. This is a cause.
Analyze Option B (Laxative abuse): Recall that laxatives are used to treat constipation. While their long-term abuse can cause a secondary, chronic constipation, their primary function is the opposite. This makes it the 'exception' among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Etiology of Constipation
Stem keywords: causes, constipation, EXCEPT
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: This question uses a negative lead-in ('EXCEPT'), asking you to identify the option that is NOT a direct, primary cause of constipation.

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