chapter 25-agents used to treat laxatives & antidiarrheals

Question 1

The nurse understands that clients taking which of the following classifications of laxatives are most likely to experience laxative-dependence?

Answer 1

stimulant laxatives

Question 2

The nurse teaching the client receiving diphenoxylate HCl (Lomotil) knows the client needs further teaching when the client responds with which of the following?

Answer 2

“I will take a laxative, if I do not have a bowel movement every day.”

Diphenoxylate HCl is an antidiarrheal, not a laxative.

Question 3

The nurse applies which of the following principles when teaching clients about adsorbent agents such as kaolin?

Answer 3

Do not take these agents within several hours of other drugs.
Because these are binding agents, they may bind with other drugs, affecting the absorption of the other drugs.

Question 4

All of the following are characteristics of the “ideal laxative,” EXCEPT:

Answer 4

works for several days after administration.

Question 5

The nurse understands that saline laxatives work by:

Answer 5

increasing fluid in the stool by osmosis.

Question 6

A client with cardiovascular disease is prescribed a laxative. Which of the following prescriptions would the nurse question for this client?

Answer 6

magnesium citrate 240 mL

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a 71-year-old who underwent a total hip replacement and then developed constipation from lack of activity. What action by the nurse could have prevented constipation in this client?

Answer 7

collaborating with the health care provider about prophylactic use of stool softeners

Question 8

For pregnant women, which type of laxative is usually recommended?

Answer 8

bulk-forming laxatives
These produce normally formed stools without the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalances or the stimulation of uterine contractions.

Question 9

Saline laxatives generally should be avoided by clients who are:

Answer 9

experiencing renal insufficiency

These clients are at risk for electrolyte imbalances.

Question 10

The nurse who is teaching a client about how to use OTC methylcellulose should include:

Answer 10

“Follow the laxative with at least 8 ounces of water.”

At least 8 ounces of water (fluid) should be taken with bulk-forming laxatives to prevent gastric obstruction.

Question 11

The nurse explains to the client taking psyllium that:

Answer 11

“It frequently takes at least 12 hours before you experience a bowel movement.”

Question 12

The nurse understands that lactulose is most commonly prescribed for the client experiencing:

Answer 12

portal systemic encephalopathy. This is the typical client, because lactulose decreases ammonia levels.

Question 13

The nurse instructing a client about laxatives uses which of the following examples to illustrate the type of laxative most likely to result in laxative dependence?

Answer 13

phenolphthalein-This is a stimulant laxative, which is the laxative classification most likely to cause laxative dependence.

Question 14

For the client with an elevated ammonia level, the nurse anticipates administering:

Answer 14

lactulose.- Lactulose decreases ammonia levels by drawing ammonia from systemic circulation into the intestines to be excreted.

Question 15

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution mixtures are commonly employed as:

Answer 15

bowel-cleansing products

This is usually used prior to a colon diagnostic test, such as a colonoscopy.

Question 16

When teaching a client about how loperamide HCl works, the nurse should include:

Answer 16

“It acts by decreasing gastrointestinal motility.”

This is an antidiarrheal agent that works by decreasing GI motility.

Question 17

The nurse understands that which of the following medications is generally prescribed for treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea?

Answer 17

lactobacillus products are used to treat antibiotic-induced diarrhea.

Question 18

In providing education about maintaining optimal bowel function, the nurse instructs the client to:

Answer 18

increase fluid intake

Question 19

When administering a rectal suppository to a client, the nurse should:

Answer 19

insert tapered end of the suppository first.

Question 20

When administering a rectal suppository, the nurse should insert the suppository:

Answer 20

above the internal sphincter.

Question 21

Prior to administering an enema, the nurse should:

Answer 21

warm solution between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 22

During administration of a nonretention enema, the nurse should:

Answer 22

hang the solution 12 to 18 inches above the level of the client’s anus.

Question 23

A client who has been treated with cephalexin for 14 days asks the nurse why his doctor prescribed lactobacillus. The nurse’s best response is:

Answer 23

“Your antibiotic destroyed all the normal bacteria in your intestines, causing your diarrhea. This medication will help replace that bacteria.”

Question 24

The nurse questions when a laxative is prescribed for a client with which of the following conditions?

Answer 24

abdominal pain
Laxatives are contraindicated in a client experiencing abdominal pain until the nurse has consulted with the health care provider.

Question 25

The best indication of the effectiveness of a laxative taken by a client would be which of the following statements by the client?

Answer 25

“I have been passing a lot of gas, but have not moved my bowels yet.”

Question 26

The nurse understands that which of the following factors is necessary in the treatment of both diarrhea and constipation?

Answer 26

increased fluid intake

Fluid intake must be increased to replace fluids lost through diarrhea and to provide adequate fluids to treat constipation.

Question 27

The client with diarrhea comments to the nurse, “I drink about 5 cups of hot tea a day.” The nurse’s best response to this client would be:

Answer 27

“Drinking hot beverages can actually make your diarrhea worse.”

Drinking hot beverages can stimulate peristalsis, making diarrhea worse.

Question 28

Mr. Jones is a 40-year-old disabled man who lives alone since his wife died 6 months ago. The nurse recruit is asked, “Which of the following factors would not place Mr. Jones at risk for developing constipation?” Her correct reply would be:

Answer 28

his age- does not place him at risk for constipation.

Question 29

The nurse should instruct clients about health-related measures that promote elimination and discourage laxative overuse, including which of the following? Select all that apply.

Answer 29

a. exercise and activity.
c. adequate fluid intake.
e. fiber.
f. fruit juices.

Question 30

When teaching clients about laxatives, appropriate comment(s) by the nurse would include which of the following? Select all that apply.

Answer 30

b. “They can be habit-forming, so do not overuse them.”

c. “Some laxatives can take up to 3 days to work.”

Question 31

An 80-year-old woman lives with her husband of 50 years. Even though she has a heart condition, she attends an exercise class for seniors twice a week. She and her husband make sure they drink 4 ounces of juice at all three of their daily meals. What factors would place this woman at risk for constipation?

Answer 31

c. her fluid intake

f. her age