Bowel Disorder Questions Flashcards
A patient is being prepared for a colonoscopy. The nurse expects which laxative to be used as preparation for this procedure?
a. Methylcellulose
b. Docusate sodium
c. PEG-3350
d. Glycerin
c. PEG-3350
When the nurse teaches a patient about taking bisacodyl tablets, which instruction is correct?
a. “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”
b. “Chew the tablet for quicker onset of action.”
c. “Take this medication with juice or milk.”
d. “If it upsets your stomach, take this medication with an antacid.”
a. “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”
A patient has been receiving long-term antibiotic therapy as part of treatment for an infected leg wound. He tells the nurse that he has had “spells of diarrhea” for the last week. Which medication is most appropriate for him at this time?
a. bismuth subsalicylate
b. L. acidophilus
c. diphenoxylate with atropine
d. codeine
b. L. acidophilus
A patient is taking bismuth subsalicylate for diarrhea. The nurse will inform the patient of which potential adverse effects? (Select all that apply.)
a. Blue gums
b. Drowsiness
c. Darkened stools
d. Metallic taste
e. Urinary retention
a. Blue gums
c. Darkened stools
d. Metallic taste
A patient has been instructed to use an over-the-counter form of the bulk-forming laxative Metamucil to prevent chronic constipation. The nurse will advise the patient of potential adverse effects, including which of these? (Select all that apply.)
a. Electrolyte imbalances
b. Decreased absorption of vitamins
c. Gas formation
d. Darkened stools
e. Discolored urine
a. Electrolyte imbalances
c. Gas formation
A patient has been given a new prescription for alosetron, and the nurse is providing education about this medication. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
a. “I will not take a double dose in the afternoon if I forget my morning dose.”
b. “I should be seeing improvement within a few days.”
c. “I will call my doctor if I experience severe constipation or bloody diarrhea.”
d. “This drug will improve symptoms but won’t cure my IBS.”
b. “I should be seeing improvement within a few days.”
The nurse is giving oral mineral oil as an ordered laxative dose. The nurse will take measures to prevent which potential problem that may occur with mineral oil?
a. Fecal impaction
b. Electrolyte imbalances
c. Lipid pneumonia
d. Esophageal blockage
c. Lipid pneumonia
When administering a bulk-forming laxative, the nurse instructs the patient to drink the medication mixed in a full 8-ounce glass of water. Which statement best explains the rationale for this instruction?
a. The water acts to stimulate bowel movements.
b. The water will help to reduce the bulk of the intestinal contents.
c. These laxatives may cause esophageal obstruction if taken with insufficient water.
d. The water acts as a lubricant to produce bowel movements.
c. These laxatives may cause esophageal obstruction if taken with insufficient water.
A patient will be taking bismuth subsalicylate to control diarrhea. When reviewing the patient‘s other ordered medications, the nurse recognizes that which medication or medication class will interact significantly with this drug?
a. Hypoglycemic drugs
b. Antibiotics
c. Acetaminophen
d. Antidepressants
a. Hypoglycemic drugs
A patient is about to undergo a diagnostic bowel procedure. The nurse expects which drug to be used to induce total cleansing of the bowel?
a. Docusate sodium
b. Lactulose
c. Mineral oil
d. Polyethylene glycol 3350
d. Polyethylene glycol 3350
While recovering from surgery, an elderly woman started taking a stimulant laxative, senna, to relieve constipation caused by the pain medications. Two weeks later, at her follow-up appointment, she tells the nurse that she likes how regular her bowel movements are now that she is taking the laxative. Which teaching principle is appropriate for this patient?
a. She needs to be sure to take this medication with plenty of fluids.
b. It is important to have a daily bowel movement to promote bowel health.
c. Long-term use of laxatives often results in decreased bowel tone and may lead to dependency.
d. She needs to switch to glycerin suppositories to continue having daily bowel movements.
c. Long-term use of laxatives often results in decreased bowel tone and may lead to dependency.
A patient asks the nurse about the difference between diphenoxylate with atropine and the over-the-counter drug loperamide (Imodium). Which response by the nurse is correct?
a. Lomotil acts faster than Imodium.
b. Imodium does not cause physical dependence.
c. Lomotil is available in suppository form.
d. Imodium is a natural antidiarrheal drug.
b. Imodium does not cause physical dependence.
A patient wants to prevent problems with constipation and asks the nurse for advice about which type of laxative is safe to use for this purpose. Which class of laxative is considered safe to use on a long-term basis?
a. Emollient laxatives
b. Bulk-forming laxatives
c. Hyperosmotic laxatives
d. Stimulant laxatives
b. Bulk-forming laxatives
When administering mineral oil, the nurse recognizes that it can interfere with the absorption of which substance?
a. Fat-soluble vitamins
b. Water-soluble vitamins
c. Minerals
d. Electrolytes
a. Fat-soluble vitamins
The nurse is reviewing the mechanism of action of antidiarrheal drugs. Which type of antidiarrheal medication works by decreasing the intestinal muscle tone and peristalsis of the intestines?
a. Adsorbents
b. Anticholinergics
c. Probiotics
d. Lubricants
b. Anticholinergics
The nurse is discussing the use of adsorbents such as bismuth subsalicylate with a patient who has diarrhea. The nurse will warn the patient about which possible adverse effects?
a. Dark stools and blue gums
b. Urinary hesitancy
c. Drowsiness and dizziness
d. Blurred vision and headache
a. Dark stools and blue gums
