Chemical Stimulants Flashcards
Chemical Stimulants Drug Names
Bisacodyl
Castor oil
Senna
Chemical Stimulants Therapeutic Actions
• Begin working at the beginning of the small intestine and increase motility throughout the rest of the GI tract by irritating the nerve plexus
Chemical Stimulants Indications
- Chemically irritate the lining of the GI tract
Chemical Stimulants Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindications:
• Allergy
• Acute abdominal disorders
Caution:
• Heart block, CAD, debilitation, electrolytes
• Pregnancy and lactation
Chemical Stimulants DDI
DDI:
• Other prescribed medications
Chemical Stimulants Adverse Effects
- GI: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea
- CNS: dizziness, headache, weakness
- Sweating, palpitations, flushing, fainting
- Cathartic dependence,
- Castor oil: blocks absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins
Chemical Stimulants:
Assessment
Assess:
Hx: Allergy, lactation and pregnancy
Physical: vital signs, abdominal, fecal assessment or intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal pain, bowel sounds, elimination pattern, nausea or vomiting, neurological status, level of activity (baseline)
Labs: monitor results
Chemical Stimulants:
Diagnosis
Dx:
- Acute pain: CNS and GI
- Diarrhea: Drug
- Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy
Chemical Stimulants
- Administer a laxative only as a temporary measure
- Arrange for appropriate dietary measures, exercise, and environmental controls
- Administer the oral form with a full glass of water and caution the patient not to chew tablets
- Administer bulk laxatives with plenty of water
- Insert rectal suppositories high into the rectum; encourage patients to retain enemas or rectal solution
- Do not administer in the presence of acute abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Monitor bowel function
- Provide comfort and safety measures
- Provide thorough patient teaching
Chemical Stimulants:
Evaluation
Eval: Response to the drug Adverse effects Effectiveness of comfort measures Compliance with regimen Effectiveness of teaching plan