Constipation/Diarrhea Meds

Question 1

Antimotility Drugs

Answer 1

diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil)

Question 2

Antimotility Drugs Action

Answer 2

decrease GI motility, reabsorption/secretion of fluid in bowel and activity of bacteria

Question 3

Antimotility Drugs SE

Answer 3

constipation
abdominal pain
dry mouth
dizziness

Question 4

Antimotility Drugs ADE

Answer 4

intestinal obstruction
toxic megacolon

Question 5

Antimotility Drugs Nursing Interventions

Answer 5

avoid alcohol and CNS suppressants
monitor frequency of BMs and sounds
check for evidence of dehydration
be careful of those who’re pregnant, have glaucoma, UC, and liver disorders
drink clear liquids
avoid fried foods and milk
teach pt that if no relief in 2 days; fever develops, abdominal pain/distension or blood and mucus in stool, call provider

Question 6

Osmotic Laxatives

Answer 6

lactulose (Chronulac)

Question 7

Osmotic Laxatives Action

Answer 7

hyperosmolar salts pull water into colon and increase water feces to increase bulk; stimulates persistalsis and pooping

semiformed and watery stool

Question 8

Osmotic Laxatives SE

Answer 8

fluid and electrolyte imbalance
hypotension
weakness
cramps
nvd

Question 9

Osmotic Laxatives: How Fast?

Answer 9

group 1: 2-6 hrs
group 2: 6-12 hrs

Question 10

Lactulose

Answer 10

hepatic encephalopathy; reduces infusion of ammonium from colon into blood (decrease blood ammonia with increased mental status)

Question 11

Stimulant Laxatives

Answer 11

biscodyl (Dulcolax)

Question 12

Stimulant Laxatives Action

Answer 12

irritates sensory endings in intestines, stimulates peristalsis

increases water and electrons into intestine

watery stool

Question 13

Stimulant Laxatives SE

Answer 13

abdominal cramping
n/d
red/brown urine

overuse can decrease tone/sensation in large intestine; reversible

Question 14

Stimulant Laxatives: How Fast?

Answer 14

orally 2-8 hrs

rectally 15-60 min.

Question 15

Bulk Forming Laxatives

Answer 15

psyllium mucilloid (Metamucil)

Question 16

Bulk Forming Laxatives Action

Answer 16

absorbs water into intestines, raises bulk and peristalsis

promote well formed, soft stools

Question 17

Bulk Forming Laxatives SE/ADE

Answer 17

cramps
n/v/d
flatus
dizziness
drowsiness

INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

Question 18

Bulk Forming Laxatives Administration

Answer 18

mix in glass of water/juice
sit and drink immediately
follow up with 1 full glass of water

DILUTEEEEE

Question 19

Bulk Forming Laxatives: How Fast?

Answer 19

1-3 days to work

Question 20

Emollients

Answer 20

docusate sodium (Colace)

Question 21

Emollients Action

Answer 21

inhibit fluid absorption at intestinal wall; stimulate secretion of water and e- into intestinal lumen and emulsifies feces

decreases surface tension

Question 22

Emollients SE

Answer 22

minimal!!

some n/v/d

Question 23

Emollient’s Administration

Answer 23

full glass of water

Question 24

Emollients: How Fast?

Answer 24

1-3 days