Final answer:
To diagnose pediatric constipation in the ED, clinical criteria such as infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and painful defecation are used along with a physical examination, medical history, and potentially additional tests like abdominal X-rays and microscopic stool examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosing pediatric constipation in the emergency department (ED) involves several clinical criteria.
Some of the common criteria used to diagnose constipation in children include infrequent bowel movements (typically fewer than three times a week), hard and dry stools, straining during bowel movements, painful defecation, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.
In the ED, a prompt and thorough physical examination is critical, as are the patient's medical history and presenting symptoms.
In certain cases, additional diagnostic tools such as abdominal X-rays, microscopic examination of stool, and stool acidity tests (in cases of suspected lactose intolerance in infants) may be utilized.
This clinical assessment helps distinguish between functional constipation and other serious gastrointestinal conditions that may present with similar symptoms.