Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

PHAR 154 > Constipation > Flashcards

Constipation Flashcards

1
Q

What is the physiology of the gut?

A
  • Interplay of intestinal smooth muscle
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How does the parasympathetic nervous system effect the gut?

A

Stimulate motility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does the sympathetic nervous system effect the gut?

A

Inhibits motility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What other factors are at play in the gut?

A

GI Hormones
Serotonin
CNS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the gastric-coli reflex? Who takes advantage of it?

A

a physiological reflex that controls the motility of the lower gastrointestinal tract following a meal (increased motility)
- 30 mins after a meal

  • Nurses try to take advantage to reintroduce the natural stimulus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the normal BM activity?

A

wide range: 2x per wk to 3x per day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What influences BM activity?

A

habits and cultural factors

normal flora in colon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the process of fluid recovery in the gut?

A

1) 9 L of fluid enters duodenum/day
(2 L from diet, 7 L from intetsinal secretions)

2) Approx 8 L absorbed by small intestine
3) Large intestine absorbs 850 mL
4) About 150 mL excreted in stool/day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What happens to a stool as it sits in the intestine?

A
  • Water is absorbed from the stool by the intestine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What can cause constipation?

A
  • Not a normal part of aging
  • Disease states
  • Drug causes
  • Immobility
  • Fluids
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

In regards to constipation, it’s important for pharmacists to know….

A

What is regular for a patient

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are some causes of constipation?

A

Dehydration (other sx)
Pain meds
Dehydration
Depression
Stroke
Colon Cancer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Is constipation usually painful?

A

Potentially however if pain consistently enters the equation, start thinking of another cause (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are some causes of constipation that a pharmacist should know about?

A
  • Medication Induced –> Anticholinergics, opiods
  • Diabetes
  • Colon Cancer
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Depression
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How long of constipation until we should get worried?

A

3 days w/t a bowel movement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are some red flags of constipation?

A
  • Changes in stool texture
  • Blood in stool
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomitting
  • Frequent Pain
  • Narrower stools
  • Unresponsive to tx
17
Q

When to refer for constipation?

A
  • Blood in stool
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomitting
  • Frequent Pain
  • Narrower stools
  • Unresponsive to tx
  • Change in bowel habit of more than 2 weeks
18
Q

What is a large bowel obstruction? Most common cause?

A
  • Part or all of the large intestine is blocked
  • A growth or tumor that blocks the intestine (such as cancer) is the most common cause
19
Q

What are the symptoms of a large bowel obstruction?

A
  • Belly cramping and pain
  • Belly swelling and bloating
  • Unable to pass gas
  • Unable to pass stool
    -Vomiting

More than that normally seen with simple constipation or IBS-C

20
Q

Is a bowel obstruction chronic?

A
  • Dramatic progression of symptoms
21
Q

Is excess hydration and fluid intake useful for constipation?

A

No

21
Q

Is excess hydration and fluid intake useful for constipation?

A

No - Normal hydration is fine. Excess water is filtered by the kidney. Does not make it into the intestines.
- If they are dehydrated, need to get them to normal hydration

22
Q

Can food impact what occurs in your gut?

A

Yes
- High cheese, high protein diets, certain foods
- Less mass to the intestine, go less

23
Q

For the vast majority of people, ______ is a good idea

A

Adding on more fibre

24
Q

Is soluble or insoluble fibre more useful?

A
  • Insoluble is given credit for better effect
  • Either way, when adding it - go slow
25
Q

When adding on fibre, one should increase by _____ and expect some ____

A

Increase by up to 5 g per day

Expect some increase in gas

26
Q

What sources of fibre are the best?

A

Natural and organic better

27
Q

What is bowel re-training?

A

It took years to get where they are
More applicable to the nursing home world
Re-establish the reflex ie defecation stimulation post-meal
Finding ‘best’ time for BM

28
Q

Are prunes beneficial for constipation?

A

YES

  • Prunes contain sorbitol which has natural, laxative effect in the body (draws out fluid)
  • Also high in anti-oxidants and have both soluble an dinsoluble fibre
29
Q

How many prunes to start out with? How much juice?

A

Start with approx. 4 prunes
Start with 1/2 cup of juice

PHAR 154 (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions