Drugs for Gastrointestinal Problems Flashcards

1
Q

The digestive system is composed of

A

The mouth espionage’s stomach intestines and accessory structures

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2
Q

Prostaglandins maintain good

A

Blood flow to the stomach

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3
Q

Antiemetic Drugs

A

Used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting

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4
Q

Vomiting center in the brain

A

Direct-acting stimuli

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5
Q

Indirect-acting stimuli

A

Chemoreceptors trigger zone

-opioids, alcohol, certain antibiotics

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6
Q

Classes of antiemetic drugs

A

Serotonin receptors antagonists, substance P antagonists, phenothiazines, cannabanoids, promotility drugs, butyrophenones, and anticholinergics

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7
Q

Serotonin (5-HT3) Receptor Antagonists

A

Reduces or halts nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors in the intestinal tract and the CTZ so serotonin cannot activate these receptors

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8
Q

Uses of serotonin receptors antagonists

A

Prevent the nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and anesthesia-induced nausea and vomiting after surgery

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9
Q

Serotonin receptors antagonists

A

Dolasetron (Anzemet), ondasteron (Zofran, Zuplenz), palonosetron (Aloxi)

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10
Q

Dolasteron causes

A

Dizziness

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11
Q

Contraindications of dolasteron

A

Drugs that affect serotonin levels

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12
Q

Substance P/neurokonin1 receptor antagonists

A

Reduce or prevent immediate and delayed nausea and vomiting by blocking the substance P/neurokonin1 receptors in the CTZ, preventing both of these substances from binding to and triggering the CTZ

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13
Q

Aprepitant (Emend), rolapitant (Varubi)

A

Substance P/neurokinin1 receptor antagonists drugs

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14
Q

Apreptiant or rolapitant

A

Can be taken with corticosteroids to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting even further, may need to be taken in more frequent doses

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15
Q

Phenothiazines

A

reduce nausea and vomiting by blocking dopamine receptors in the CTZ

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16
Q

prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Pehnadoz, Phenergan, Promethegan)

A

Phenothiazine drugs

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17
Q

Adverse Reactions of phenothiazines

A

can cause hypotension, alcohol can increase drowsiness, can cause Parkinson’s disease-like tremors or gait changes and muscle spasms, or motor changes such as tongue rolling or lip smacking (ESPs)
neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a sudden increase in temperature

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18
Q

Cannabinoids

A

dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), nabilone (Cesamet)

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19
Q

Use of cannabinoids

A

reserved for patients who continue to have nausea and vomiting who do not respond to other categories of antiemetics

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20
Q

Cannabinoid drug administration

A

typically given as solution or in liquid-filled capsules with the dosage individualized according to body surface area
first dose should be taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals, after the first dose these drugs can be taken with food

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21
Q

Contraindications of cannabinoid drugs

A

alcohol, sedatives, or other CNS depressants

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22
Q

Promotility drugs

A

a class of drugs that increases contraction of the upper GI tract including the stomach and the small intestines; they do this by blocking dopamine receptors in the CTZ and the intestinal tract

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23
Q

Metoclorpramide (Reglan), trimethobenzamide (Tigan)

A

Promotility drugs

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24
Q

Nursing implications of promotility drugs

A

monitor for mood changes or restlessness, check vital signs regularly to assess for changes in blood pressure (decrease) because there is a risk for orthostatic hypotension, give these drugs at least 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime because these are times of increased potential for nausea

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25
Q

Serotonin receptors antagonist side effects

A

dizzinesss, headache, and drowsiness; some patients may experience changes in taste, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea
rarely a patient may experience chills with shivering

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26
Q

Adverse reactions of serotonin receptor antagonists

A

allergic reactions, dysrhythmias, and renal or liver damage

serotonin syndrome can occur

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27
Q

Serotonin receptor antagonist drug interactions

A

MAOIs, morphine, serotonin reuptake inhibitors

when combined with phenothiazine drugs, patient may experience cardiac dysrhythmias

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28
Q

Nursing implications of serotonin receptor antagonists

A

follow protocols very carefully to ensure adequate timing before the patient receives chemotherapy, monitor vital signs before and after giving the drug, ask patient about abdominal pain

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29
Q

Action and Uses of Substance P/NK receptor antagonists

A

block the substance P/NK 1 receptors in the CTZ, prevents triggering of the CTZ
reduce or prevent nausea and vomiting that results from cancer chemotherapy and after surgery

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30
Q

Side effects of Substance P/NK receptor antagonists

A

fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness; patient may also experience mild hiccups, flatulence, and sweating

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31
Q

Adverse reactions of Substance P/NK receptor antagonists

A

neutropenia, angiodema, severe allergic reactions, and respiratory depression; anemia, thrombocytopenia

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32
Q

Drug interactions with Substance P/NK receptor antagonists

A

opioid drugs, drowsiness, increased dizziness, and sedation; use with benzos can increase CNS effects

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33
Q

The oral form of aprepitant should not be opened until

A

ready to prepare

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34
Q

Injectable fosaprepitant must be carefully prepared

A

do not shake this drug, gently swirl or invert the solution to gently mix

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35
Q

Phenothiazines are also recognized as

A

dopamine antagonists

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36
Q

Dopamine antagonists (phenothiazines) are approved to reduce nausea and vomiting from many problems except

A

the morning sickness associated with pregnancy

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37
Q

Phenothiazines side effects

A

blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness; can cause urine to change to a pinkish red color; sensitivity to sun exposure is common

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38
Q

Phenothiazines should be avoided in patients with

A

cardiovascular disease, can cause angina, tachycardia and/or orthostatic hypotension

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39
Q

Drug interactions of phenothiazines

A

metoclopramide (Reglan), can increase the effects of any other drug that affects dopamine (MAOIs, certain antidepressants), avoid benzos for patients who are taking carbidopa/levodopa for PD

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40
Q

Nursing Implications of Phenothiazines

A

carefully assess vitals, can cause a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate in some patients
avoid giving to patients with low blood pressure or who are dehydrated
assess for any occurrence of EPS

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41
Q

Avoid being overheated when taking

A

phenothiazines (decreases ability to sweat)

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42
Q

Photosensitivity can be caused by

A

phenothiazines

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43
Q

Cannabinoids action

A

THC reduces nausea by binding to both cannabinoid receptors in the CTZ and by preventing serotonin 5-HT3 from binding to its receptors in the CTZ

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44
Q

Cannabinoid side effects

A

a dose-related “high”, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes; some patients may experience emotional lability (mood swings)
GI effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
orthostatic hypotension is more common in older adults

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45
Q

Adverse reactions of Cannabinoids

A

acute confusion, hypersensitivity, and seizure-like activity have occurred in some patients
rarely, hallucinations, excessive sweating, and fainting
use with caution with patients who have a history of substance abuse

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46
Q

Cannabinoid drug interactions

A

warfarin, calcium channel blockers, opioid agonists, and a variety of antiretroviral drugs

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47
Q

Patients taking dronabinol should avoid

A

grapefruit juice

48
Q

Nursing implications of cannabinoids

A

can be taken using standard tablets and capsules or can be given as a liquid or in liquid-filled capsules (dose according to BSA)

49
Q

Promotility drugs are also known as

A

prokinetic

50
Q

Action of promotility drugs

A

increase contraction of the upper GI tract, by blocking dopamine receptors in the CTZ

51
Q

These drugs work similarly to phenothizines but do not have the sedating effect

A

promotility drugs

52
Q

Uses of promotility drugs

A

patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and GERD; may also be used in patients that have difficulties emptying stomach contents

53
Q

Side effects of promotility drugs

A

drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and restlessness; visual impairment, urinary incontinence, and insomnia

54
Q

Adverse reactions of promotility drugs

A

use with caution in patients with a history of depression, seizures, blood disorders, cardiac dysrhythmias, and heart failure; PD-like symptoms, EPS, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome

55
Q

Promotility drug interactions

A

contraindicated in patients who are taking phenothizine drugs, typical and atypical antipsychotics and levodopa/carbodopa; use of these drugs with certain antidepressants can increase the risk for serotonin syndrome

56
Q

Nursing Implications of promotility drugs

A

carefully monitor the patient for symptoms of restlessness, dizziness, and fatigue; monitor the patient for PD-like symptoms

57
Q

Men taking promotility drugs may experience

A

gynecomastia

58
Q

Drugs for peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease

A

antacids, histamine H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and cytoprotective drugs

59
Q

Antacids

A

Aluminum hydroxide (Alternagel, Alu-cap), calcium carbonate (Rolaids Extra Strength, Tums, Caltrate, Maalox), magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)

60
Q

Antacid nursing implications

A

Often available as combination drugs, timing relating to meals and other drugs is very important, many drugs bind to antacids and lose effectiveness, antacids should be given 1 hour before any other drugs and 2 hours after drugs
Patients with heart failure or any other cardiac disease should avoid antacids high in sodium

61
Q

Histamine H2 receptor antagonist drugs

A

famotidine (Pepcid AC, Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), ranitidine (Zantac)

62
Q

Nursing implications of histamine h2 receptor antagonists

A

OTC doses are typically about half the prescription drug doses. Patients who are taking these OTC drugs should not take them for more than 2 weeks without seeing a healthcare provider, as they may be experiencing a more significant issue. Monitor the patient for signs of restlessness or confusion b ecause these side effects may increase the risk for falls

63
Q

Proton pump inhibitors function

A

these drugs help heal gastric ulcers and reduce symptoms of GERD by stopping the acid secretory pump that is located within the gastric parietal cell membrane. This helps reduce the amount of acid secreted into the stomach

64
Q

Function of Histamine H2 receptor antagonists

A

these drugs bind to the H2 receptor in the stomach cells leading to a decrease in production of basal and nighttime gastric acid. They also decrease the amount of gastric acid that is released with meals and with substance such as caffeine

65
Q

Proton pump inhibitor drugs

A

esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix)

66
Q

Nursing implications of Proton pump inhibitors

A

Give with full glass of water 30-60 minutes before meals for maximum benefit (read drug information carefully); OTC proton pump inhibitors should not be taken for more than 2 weeks because failure to relieve symptoms may indicate a more severe health problem; prescriptions of proton pump inhibitors may vary in length from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the patient’s presenting condition; teach patients it may take several days to experience relief once beginning proton pump inhibitors; if the patient has H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, the proton pump inhibitor will be combined with specific antibiotics to treat the infection so remind them to take the full prescription

67
Q

Functions of cytoprotective drugs

A

these drugs protect the lining of the stomach and protect from further damage. When taken properly, some of these drugs can “stick” to the ulcerated areas in the stomach or duodenum to protect them from further damage and allow them to heal

68
Q

Cytoprotective drugs

A

sucralfate (Carafate, Sulcrate), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), misoprostol (Cytotec)

69
Q

Nursing implications of cytoprotective drugs

A

do not give antacids within 30 minutes before or 1 hour after sucralfate because they decrease the effectiveness; do not crush or chew the tablets. For patients who are unable to swallow, dissolve in 10 mL of water. Shake the oral suspension well before giving to achieve a consistent dose of drug in solution. Carefully review dosages for bismuth subsalicylate before giving because this drug can be given for several conditions besides gastric distress. It can also be used for antibiotics properties. If patients do not receive relief from the recommended doses, make sure to contact the patient’s healthcare provider in case there is a significant underlying condition that needs treatment. Teach patients that bismuth subsalicylate can turn stools dark brown or even black while taking this drug. Taking too much bismuth subsalicylate can result in symptoms of aspirin toxicity. Encourage the patient to drink at least 2-3 L of liquid unless contraindicated because this drug can cause constipation. remember that misoprostol must never be given to pregnant women because it can cause uterine contractions

70
Q

Patients with H. pylori ulcers are typically treated

A

by a combination of antimicrobial drugs and PPIs, treated for about 10 to 14 days with a standard triple therapy consisting of a combination PPI and two selected antimicrobials.

71
Q

A standard quadruple therapy for H. pylori may require

A

a PPI and three antimicrobials

72
Q

Antacids

A

neutralize hydrochloric acid and increase gastric pH

73
Q

Expected side effects of antacids

A

diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, frequent burping, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss

74
Q

Adverse reactions of antacids

A

magnesium based antacids: hypermagnesia, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, low heart rate; calcium-containing antacids: bone pain, kidney stones and cardiac dysrhythmias; aluminium-containing antacids can cause mood changes, confusion, osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia

75
Q

Drug interactions with antacids

A

a major concern is the impact on absorption of other drugs, space apart drug administration between prescription drugs and antacids

76
Q

Expected side effects of histamine h2 receptor antagonists

A

headache, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, and mild abdominal pain; some patients have mental status changes, including confusion, anxiety, or depression

77
Q

Adverse reactions of histamine h2 receptor antagonists

A

severe reactions are rare and include severe allergic reactions, a variety of blood disorders, and cardiac dysrhythmias; patients may also be at risk for pneumonia

78
Q

Drug interactions of histamine h2 receptor antagonists

A

can affect certain enzymes in the liver that metabolize drugs, which can affect how certain drugs are metabolized in the body, including warfarin, beta blockers, benzos, calcium channel blockers, and alcohol

79
Q

H2 receptor blockers should be given

A

at meals and at bedtime

80
Q

Proton pump inhibitors expected side effects

A

headache, mild abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea or constipation; many patients experience increased sensitivity to light, and less common side effects include dizziness, anxiety, or mild rash; low vitamin b12 levels may develop in patients who have taken PPIs for more than 1 year

81
Q

Adverse reactions of PPIs

A

pancreatitis, blood abnormalities, there is some concern that decreased calcium absorption in the stomach may place the patient at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures with long-term use

82
Q

Drug interactions of PPIs

A

inhibits certain enzymes in the liver that are involved in metabolizing other drugs. PPIs can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, alprazolam, drugs given to treat TB, and certain drugs used to decrease blood cholesterol

83
Q

Give PPIs

A

about 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal of the day

84
Q

These drugs can “stick” to the ulcerated areas in the stomach or duodenum to protect them from further damage and allow them to heal

A

Cytoprotective drugs, aka Pepto Bismol, Carafate, and Cytotec

85
Q

Misoprostol

A

is a synthetic prostaglandin with both an antisecretory and a mucosal protective action, indicated for use in patients who have gastric distress or ulceration secondary to the use of NSAIDs

86
Q

Drugs for constipation and diarrhea

A

anticholinergic drugs, antispasmodic drugs, opioid agonists, bulk-forming drugs, emollients/stool softeners, stimulants, and osmotic laxatives

87
Q

Bulk forming laxatives

A

relieve constipation by absorbing water in the GI tract, altering interstitial fluid and electrolytes
-increased bulk stimulates peristalsis and the absorbed water softens the stool

88
Q

Bulk-forming laxatives can be used for

A

IBS and diverticulosis

89
Q

Stool softeners

A

relieve constipation by reducing surface tension of the stool so water and lipids can enter the stool and soften the feces. This makes it easier to pass the stool.

90
Q

Stool softeners are mostly used for

A

after surgery, or patients who should avoid straining

-softening of the stool usually takes 1 to 3 days after starting the drug

91
Q

Lubricant laxatives

A

relieve constipation by creating a barrier between the feces and the colon wall that prevents the colon from reabsorbing fecal fluid, thus softening the stool. The lubricant also eases the passage of feces through the intestine

92
Q

Lubricant laxatives are mostly used for

A

cases in which straining should be avoided, such as myocardial infarction, aneurysm, stroke, or hernia or after abdominal or rectal surgery
-they can help prevent pain and decrease the risk for tearing or laceration of hemorrhoids or anal fissures

93
Q

Osmotic laxatives

A

also known as saline laxatives (includes lactulose and glycerin), relieve constipation by producing an osmotic effect by drawing water into the intestinal lumen of the small intestine and colon
-increase in fluid helps soften the stool and causes distention of the stool to help stimulate peristalsis

94
Q

Osmotic laxatives are typically used for

A

cleansing of the bowels in preparation for certain surgical procedures, x-ray studies or colonoscopies

95
Q

Lactulose can also be used for

A

patients with liver failure, because it helps reduce ammonia levels by nearly 50%
-help reduce confusion caused by liver failure

96
Q

Laxatives may be used in conjunction with osmotic laxatives

A

as part of bowel preparation for surgery

97
Q

Stimulant laxatives

A

increase peristalsis by several mechanisms: can stimulate sensitive nerve fibers in the intestine, irritate the mucosa in the intestine, and affect water and electrolyte secretion in the bowel
-peristalsis within 6 to 8 hours

98
Q

Expected side effects of laxatives

A

nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea

99
Q

Adverse effects of laxatives

A

inhaling the psyllium dust particles can cause hypersensitivity reactions, patients who do not drink enough water are at risk for esophageal obstruction, lubricant laxatives may produce decreased absorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins, lipid pneumonia can occur by inhalation of fat-containing substances like mineral oil, osmotic laxatives can cause a fluid and electrolyte disturbance if overused, stimulant laxatives may cause muscle weakness, dermatitis, pruritius alkalosis, and electrolyte imbalance

100
Q

Drug interactions with laxatives

A

may reduce absorption or bind to certain drugs because they can increase GI motility; separate loop diuretics, warfarin, salicylates and digoxin with laxatives by 2 hours; patients taking loop diuretics and digoxin are at risk of hypokalemia or hypernatremia

101
Q

Anticholinergic drugs

A

dicyclomine (Bentyl)
reduce diarrhea and associated symptoms by selectively blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from binding to its receptors in nerve cells. The nerve fibers of the parasympathetic system affect the involuntary movement of smooth muscle in the GI tract, lungs, and urinary tract

102
Q

Antispasmodic drugs

A

atropine, hyoscyamine, phenobarbital, scopolamine (Donnatal)

these drugs reduce muscle contraction in the GI tract. This causes decreased muscle cramping, bloating, and diarrhea

103
Q

Opioid agonist drugs

A

loperamide (Imodium), diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil)
these drugs are synthetic opioid agonists to decrease motility of the smooth muscle of the bowel. They are combined with atropine to decrease any mood-elevating effects of the opioid and reduce potential for abuse

104
Q

Bulk-forming drugs

A

methylcellulose (Citrucel), psyllium (Fiberall, Karacil, Metamucil)
these act by absorbing fluids in the GI tract to form a mixture leading to softening and increased bulk of the stool. The increased bulk stimulates peristalsis leading to increased bowel mobility and more rapid transmit time through the GI tract. Stools are easier to pass. In addition, these drug can be helpful for patients with watery diarrhea by increasing the bulk and consistency of the stool`

105
Q

Emollients/stool softener drugs

A

docusate (Colace, Sulfolax, Surfak)
these drugs lower the surface tension of the stool, allowing water and lipids to permeate the stool. This results in a softer, easier to pass stool. This typically takes 1 to 3 days for the patient to receive the benefit

106
Q

Stimulant drugs

A

bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Doxidan, Feen-a-Mint)
these drugs stimulate peristalsis by irritating the mucosal lining of the intestine, and increase the amount of fluid in the intestine, relaxing the bowel and easing the passage of stool

107
Q

Osmotic laxative drugs

A
polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
these drugs cause increased absorption of fluid into the stool. As a result, the stool is softer and distends the colon, leading to peristalsis and easier passage of the stool
108
Q

Nursing implications of anticholinergic drugs

A

do not give this drug within 2 hours of taking an antacid, do not stop this drug suddenly if the patient has used this drug for a long time, suddenly stopping the drug may result in withdrawal symptoms, to avoid local skin reaction with local pain and edema, inject this drug to a large muscle mass

109
Q

Nursing implications of antispasmodic drugs

A

teach patients that they should not use contact lenses while taking these drugs because they can cause dry eyes and blurred vision, these drugs decrease GI motility and should not be used in infectious diarrhea, monitor patient’s vital signs carefully because these drugs can cause significant changes in heart rate, these drugs are not recommended in older adults because they can cause confusion and other adverse effects even at low doses

110
Q

Nursing implications of opioid agonists

A

remind patients to avoid sedatives, tranquilizers, and opioid pain drugs because they may increase the risk for CNS effects, teach patients to follow directions carefully because overuse can result in constipation, drugs with atropine may cause side effects such as dry mouth or blurred vision. Use caution when taking the drug. Use ice chips or sugar-free candy to help keep lips and mouth moist

111
Q

Nursing implications of bulk-forming drugs

A

teach patients that these drugs typically work within 12 hours to 3 days, instruct patients to drink at least one full glass of water with each dose to avoid blockages in the esophagus, these drugs can be mixed with water, fruit juices, or milk for better flavor

112
Q

Nursing implications of emollients/stool softeners

A

teach patients that they may experience a change in urine color from pinkish red to yellow-brown depending on the alkalinity or acidity of the urine, teach the patient that these drugs typically have an effect in 1 to 3 days. They are not used to treat acute constipation but to prevent constipation from occuring

113
Q

Nursing implications of stimulants

A

these drugs are available OTC and may be used for occasional constipation. Higher doses can be used as bowel preparation for x-rays of the colon or for colonoscopy, inform patients regarding the expected onset of action. Oral tablets can work 6-12 hours; rectal suppositories can work within 15 minutes to 1 hour

114
Q

Nursing implications of osmotic laxatives

A

follow directions very carefully when these drugs are used as part of bowel preparation for colonoscopy or other procedures. Protocols may vary between prescribers. The goal is to have the best visibility of the lower intestine during examination. Instruct patients not to use these drugs more than recommended to avoid severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Some preparations include high amounts of sodium, so they should be avoided in patients who require a low sodium intake. These drugs work very quickly with onset of action within 1 to 3 hours. Make sure to teach patients that they should be near a place that has a bathroom or commode available

115
Q

Anticholinergic drugs should not be given with

A

patients with a history of GI obstruction, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or glaucoma; some antispasmodic drugs contain phenobarbital, which should be avoided in patients with a history of sensitivity to barbituates; they should be avoided in patients with a history of substance abuse or alcoholism