· Two or less defecations per week.

· At least one episode of fecal incontinence every week.

· History of retentive posturing or chronic retention of volitional stools.

· Past history of painful or difficult bowel motions.

· A bulky mass of feces in the rectum.

· History of large stools that can clog a toilet.

· Symptoms that are unexplained by another underlying condition

List possible physiologic and psychosocial factors related to encopresis

Physiologic

Psychosocial

1. Chronic constipation leading to fecal retention

1. Toilet training conflicts

2. Neurological disorders affecting bowel control

2. Stressful life events (e.g., divorce, relocation)

3. Dietary factors (low fiber intake)

3. Emotional disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)

4. Hypothyroidism or metabolic disorders

4. History of abuse or neglect

5. Gastrointestinal motility disorders

5. Social stigma and embarrassment (Yilanli & Gokarakonda, 2023)

Table 2

Neonatal Jaundice

Jaundice Appears

Jaundice Disappears

Peak Bilirubin Concentration (days)

Diagnostic Studies

Management and Prevention

Physiologic

After 24 hours

By 1–2 weeks

Days 3–5

Total serum bilirubin (TSB), direct Coombs test

Frequent feeding to promote bilirubin excretion; monitoring bilirubin levels

Full-term

After 24 hours

By 1–2 weeks

Days 3–5

TSB, transcutaneous bilirubin measurement

Phototherapy if bilirubin levels exceed thresholds; ensure adequate hydration

Premature

After 24 hours

By 2–3 weeks

Days 5–7

TSB, reticulocyte count, blood type testing

More vigilant monitoring; phototherapy initiated at lower bilirubin levels; possible exchange transfusion in severe cases