ch 65 Flashcards
production of a soft, formed stool over a period of 1 or more days
laxative effect
prompt, fluid evacuation of the bowel
catharsis
hard stools, infrequent stools, excessive straining, prolonged effort, a sense of incomplete evacuation and unsuccessful defacation
constipation - determined more by stool consistency then by how often bowel movements occur
a common cause of constipation is
poor diet - specifically deficient in fiber and fluid
other causes of constipation include
pelvic floor dysfunction
anal sphincter dysfunction
slow intestinal transit
IBS
use of certain drugs (opioids, anticholinergics, antacids)
non-drug help for constipation
increase fiber (fruits and vegetables)
increase fluid
mild exercise - esp after meals
laxatives safe for infants
docusate
lactulose
glycerin suppositories
laxatives safe for children and adolescents
milk of magnesia mineral oil senna docusate bisacodyl
laxatives safe in pregnancy
no! can induce labor
laxatives in breastfeeding
Senna is safe
older adults with laxatives
all can be used
monitor for dehydration
constipation is determined by
stool consistency (degree of hardness) not by how often BM occurs
reason for laxatives in cardiovascular disease
prevent dangerous elevation of BP
other uses for laxatives
adjunct to anthelmintic therapy (parasites) to get a fresh sample, facilitate export of dead parasites
emptying bowel before surgery and diagnostic procedures
modifying the effluent from an ileostomy and colonoscopy
prevent fecal impaction in bedridden pt
remove ingested poisons
correct constipation with pregnancy and certain drugs like opioids
contraindications for laxatives
fecal impaction
abd pain, nausea, cramps, signs of appendicitis’
regional enteritis
diverticulitis
UC
surgical abdomen
caution during pregnancy
what criteria is used for constipation
Rome IV
what type of laxative works by absorb water which softens and enlarges the fecal mass to promote peristalsis
Bulk forming laxatives
name the bulk forming laxatives
methylcellulose
psyllium
polycarbophil
which laxatives use surfactant action softens stool by facilitating penetration of water and also cause secretion of water and electrolytes into intestine
surfactant laxatives
name surfactant laxatives
Docusate sodium (colace) Docusate calcium
Group I agents act
used for
rapidly (within 2-6 hours)
bowel prep
Group II agents act
used for
intermediate latency (6-12 hours)
stool that is semifluid
most frequently abused
Group III agents act
used for
slowly (1-3 days)
soft but formed stool
treat chronic constipation and prevent straining