Ch 79 Laxatives

Question 1

__ promote defecation.

Answer 1

Laxatives

Question 2

__ is defined primarily by stool consistency, not by frequency or volume of bowel movements.

Answer 2

Constipation

Question 3

Legitimate indications for laxatives include (7).

Answer 3

cardiovascular disorders, episiotomy, hemorrhoids, emptying the bowel before surgery and diagnostic procedures, ileostomy or colostomy, prevention of fecal impaction in bedridden patients, and constipation associated with pregnancy and certain drugs, especially opioid analgesics

Question 4

Like dietary fiber, bulk-forming laxatives swell in water

to form a viscous solution or gel, thereby ___.

Answer 4

softening the feces and increasing fecal mass.

Increased mass stretches the bowel wall, and thereby stimulates peristalsis.

Question 5

Administer ___ with fluid to avoid esophageal obstruction.

Answer 5

bulk-forming laxatives

Question 6

Patients receiving __ must increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

Answer 6

osmotic laxatives

Question 7

Because of their relatively rapid onset, ___ should not be given at bedtime.

Answer 7

group I laxatives (castor oil, high-dose osmotic agents)

Question 8

Bowel cleansing before colonoscopy can be accomplished with three types of equally effective products:

Answer 8

sodium phosphate cleansers,
sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/citric acid combination cleansers,
and PEG-ELS solutions.

Question 9

Sodium phosphate and combination cleansers are easier to take than PEG-ELS cleansers, but pose a greater risk of adverse effects, namely __.

Answer 9

dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and kidney damage

Question 10

__ are commonly misused (abused) by the public.

Answer 10

Laxatives (especially the stimulant type)

To reduce abuse, educate patients about normal bowel function and about alternatives to laxatives (diet high in fiber and fluids, exercise, establishing regular bowel habits).