When preventing constipation, which practice involves reviewing medications that may contribute to constipation?

When preventing constipation, which practice involves reviewing medications that may contribute to constipation?

• A. Increase caffeine
• B. Decrease fluids
• C. Avoid fiber
• D. Monitor meds that may cause constipation

Answer: (D)

Identifying and reviewing medications that can slow bowel movements is a key way to prevent constipation. Some drugs—such as opioids, certain anticholinergics, iron supplements, and calcium-containing products—are known to cause constipation. By monitoring these meds, a clinician can adjust the regimen (switching drugs, reducing dose, or adding supportive therapy) to reduce the risk and address the root cause. Merely increasing caffeine or fluids or avoiding fiber doesn’t tackle medication-induced constipation and can miss the reversible factor. Therefore, regularly checking which medications may contribute to constipation is the best preventive approach.