Ch. 51 Bowel Disorder Drugs Flashcards
The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who will be taking the laxative bisacodyl (Dulcolax). Which statement by the nurse is appropriate during this teaching session?
“Take the tablets with water, not milk or juice.”
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?
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?
These laxatives may cause esophageal obstruction if taken with insufficient water.
A patient will be taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to control diarrhea. When reviewing the patient’s other ordered medications, the nurse recognizes that which medication or medication class will interact significantly with the Pepto-Bismol?
Oral 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?
polyethylene glycol (GoLYTELY)
While recovering from surgery, a 74-year-old woman started taking a stimulant laxative, senna (Senokot), 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?
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 (Lomotil) and the over-the-counter drug loperamide (Imodium). Which response by the nurse is correct?
“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?
Bulk-forming laxatives
When administering mineral oil, the nurse recognizes that it can interfere with the absorption of which substance?
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?
Anticholinergics such as belladonna alkaloids
The nurse is discussing the use of adsorbents such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) with a patient who has diarrhea. The nurse will warn the patient about which possible adverse effects?
Dark stools and blue gums
A patient who has been on antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks has developed persistent diarrhea. The nurse expects which medication class to be ordered to treat this diarrhea?
Probiotics
A patient will be taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to control diarrhea. When reviewing the patient’s other ordered medications, the nurse recognizes that which medication will interact significantly with the Pepto-Bismol?
warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant
A laxative has been ordered for a patient. The nurse checks the patient’s medical history and would be concerned if which condition is present?
Abdominal pain of unknown origin
- A patient is severely constipated and needs immediate relief. The nurse knows that which class of laxative will provide the most rapid results?
Magnesium hydroxide (MOM)