drug therapy for diarrhea

Question 1

causes of diarrhea

Answer 1

medications (antibiotics, others), infections, inflammatory conditions (colitis, crohns, IBS)

Question 2

common causes of sudden diarrhea

Answer 2

food poisoning, travelers diarrhea (different water), stomach flu

Question 3

common causes of chronic diarrhea

Answer 3

medication, IBS, food allergy, celiac disease

Question 4

diarrhea can cause what complications

Answer 4

cardiac dysrhythmias, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, metabolic acidosis, decreased UOP, muscle weakness, hypotension, altered skin integrity

Question 5

example meds of opiate related antidiarrheal agents

Answer 5

diphenoxylate with atropine

Question 6

uses of opiate related antidiarrheal agents

Answer 6

slows peristalsis in GI tract, used to treat diarrhea, onset of action 45-60 mins

Question 7

contraindications of opiate related antidiarrheal agents

Answer 7

infectious cause (E. coli, salmonella)

Question 8

adverse effects of opiate related antidiarrheal agents

Answer 8

tachycardia, dizziness, HA, hypotension (if misused), respiratory depression (if misused)

Question 9

antidiarrheal: bismuth subsalicylate

Answer 9

OTC antibacterial/ antiviral activity

Question 10

antidiarrheal: octreotide

Answer 10

diarrhea r/t HIV, intestinal tumors

Question 11

antidiarrheal: polycarbophil

Answer 11

bulk forming laxative, absorbs water

Question 12

antidiarrheal: enzymatic replacement

Answer 12

pancreatic enzymes

Question 13

antidiarrheal: bile binding

Answer 13

diarrhea from crohns

Question 14

antidiarrheal: rifaximin

Answer 14

antibacterial

Question 15

nursing considerations for antidiarrheals

Answer 15

rule out infectious cause, monitor lab values, monitor hydration status

Question 16

patient education for antidiarrheals

Answer 16

increase fluid intake, avoid spicy food, avoid raw fruits & veggies, stop meds when diarrhea stops, don’t take longer than 3 days

Question 17

a primary nursing diagnosis for a patient with diarrhea would be which of the following

Answer 17

risk for falls; diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances as well as urgency. fall prevention should be a priority

Question 18

a patient reports they take more than the recommended daily dose if vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis. should the nurse be concerned?

Answer 18

yes, its a fat soluble vitamin; A, D, E, and K are fat soluble vitamins, so your body stores them, are not cleared by drinking more water