Constipation: identifying the problem.

Constipation is a common problem in older age and a costly one, both in terms of treatment and distress caused to patients. This article describes the causes of constipation and outlines various strategies nurses can employ to identify and assess it.

Nutrition support in palliative care.

Nutrition is an important aspect of caring for patients with life-threatening illness. Good nutrition support is essential, not only for meeting the body's physical requirements but also because of associated social, cultural and psychological benefits for patients. The author uses examples from cancer and motor neurone disease to illustrate the nutrition needs, legal and ethical issues and specific symptoms that affect dietary intake in patients receiving palliative care.

Nutrition and the older adult.

The importance of ensuring adequate nutrition in older people is often acknowledged but, the evidence suggests, theory is not always matched by practice. This article describes causes of malnutrition in older adults and discusses nursing strategies to prevent it occurring.

Correspondence.

Sister Cooksley should be reinstated Uniforms reflect professional status Significance of EMRSA-16.