PES Statements for Constipation - Dietitian Direction

Introduction to PES Statements

While dietitians cannot provide a medical diagnosis, they do create nutrition diagnoses for patients as part of the Nutrition Care Process. These nutrition diagnoses are written in a specific format known as a PES statement.

Writing a PES Statement

PES statements are written as follows:

[Problem/nutrition diagnosis] related to [Etiology], as evidenced by [Signs/symptoms].

Looking for more information on PES statements before diving in? Check out these other articles:

What is a PES Statement?

Nutrition Diagnosis: Definition & Examples

Nutrition Care Process Steps

Potential Nutrition Diagnoses for Constipation

Inadequate fluid intake
Inadequate fiber intake
Physical inactivity
Food and nutrition related knowledge deficit
Not ready for nutrition related behavior change
Limited adherence to nutrition related recommendations

PES Statements for Constipation Examples

Inadequate fluid intake related to fear of urinary incontinence as evidenced by poor skin turgor, estimated fluid intake of 16 oz daily.

Inadequate fiber intake related to limited fruit, vegetable and whole grain intake as evidenced by total daily fiber estimated intake of ~8g (29% of calculated requirement), patient needing to take a laxative to move bowels.

Inadequate fiber intake related to limited high-fiber foods in the home as evidenced by daily consumption of refined grains, <2 servings of vegetables per week.

Physical inactivity related to knowledge deficit of health benefits of physical activity as evidenced by patient report of no structured physical activity, significant sedentary time.

Food and nutrition related knowledge deficit related to limited previous nutrition education as evidenced by patient statement “I didn’t know eating certain foods would help me go to the bathroom.”

Limited adherence to nutrition related recommendations related to inadequate social support as evidenced by mother’s frustration with recommendations provided at last nutrition appointment.

Quick Tips for Writing the Perfect Constipation PES Statement

Use information gathered in the assessment to determine the nutrition problem
The nutrition diagnosis should ideally be resolved, or at least improved, through a nutrition intervention provided by the dietitian
PES statements should be clear and concise

Conclusion

Constipation can have numerous nutrition problems, etiologies and signs and symptoms. There is no “right” or “wrong” PES statement, but make sure yours is specific to the patient using the data you collected in your assessment.

Note that the 2023 edition of the Nutrition Care Process Terminology (eNCP) is used, which is the most current version at the time of this article being published.