drug therapy for constipation and elimination probs

Question 1

define constipation

Answer 1

slower than normal evacuation of large intestine

Question 2

what are some causes of constipation

Answer 2

-meds (opioids, anticholinergics, anatacids, iron supplements)
-foods (flour, dairy)
-diseases (hypothyroidism, DM, IBS)

Question 3

what are some complications of constipation

Answer 3

-HTN
-fecal impaction
-hemorrhoids
-fissures
-megacolon
-bowel perforation

Question 4

give an example of laxatives

Answer 4

psyllium

bulk forming laxative

Question 5

what are bulk forming laxatives used for

Answer 5

-add bulk and absorbs water to stimulate
-12-24hrs to work
-treats occasional constipation
-adds bulk to diarrhea

Question 6

what are some adverse effects of bulk forming laxatives

Answer 6

-severe flatulance
-bloating

Question 7

what are some contraindications of bulk forming laxatives

Answer 7

-acute abd. pain
-bowel obstruction
-fecal impaction

Question 8

what are some nursing considerations for bulk forming laxatives

Answer 8

-may reduce absorption of meds
-take 1hr before or 3hrs after med
-take with full glass of water

Question 9

give an example of laxative lubricants

Answer 9

mineral oil

Question 10

describe laxative lubricants

Answer 10

-lubricates fecal mass
-6-8hrs to work
-oral or enema

Question 11

give and example of stool softeners

Answer 11

surfactants

Question 12

describe stool softeners

Answer 12

-allow water to enter making stool softer
-little laxative effect
-1-3 days to work
-taken daily

Question 13

give an example of cathartics

Answer 13

bisacodyl

stimulant laxative

Question 14

what are cathartics used for

Answer 14

-issirtate GI mucosa
-rapid movement of stool
-bowel prep, constipation
-6-12 hours to work

Question 15

what are some contraindications of cathartics

Answer 15

-acute abd pain
-bowel obstruction
-fecal impaction

Question 16

what are some adverse effects of cathartics

Answer 16

-cramping
-diarrhea

Question 17

what are some ursing considerations for cathartics

Answer 17

-take on empty stomach
-do not take with antacids or milk

Question 18

describe saline cathartics

Answer 18

-used for bowel prep
-magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia, polyethylene glycol
-30-60mins to work
-use with caution with electrolyte imbalances
-causes diarrhea

Question 19

describe lactulose

Answer 19

-pulls water into intestine
-treats constipation or high ammonia levels

Question 20

describe lubiprostone

Answer 20

treats IBS-C and opioid induced constipation

Question 21

describe linaclotide

Answer 21

treats IBS-C

Question 22

describe sodium polystyrene

Answer 22

treats constipation or hyperkalemia

Question 23

what are some nursing considerations for laxatives

Answer 23

-assess bowel habits, diet, activity, and fluid intake
-assess abdomen
-insert suppositories high into rectum
-give bulk laxatives with full glass of water
-fall risk

Question 24

describe patient education for laxatives

Answer 24

-high fiber diets
-increase fluid intake
-exercise (sometimes gum chewing)
-laxatives are short term use only