Exam 4 - GI Constipation Flashcards
Definition of constipation?
Less than 3 BMs per week
Diet and exercise that helps with BMs? Colonic motility?
Fiber, fluid, exercise. Colonic motility increases 2-3x after exercise and meal.
4 broad disorder categories which can cause constipation?
- GI disorders (IBS)
- Metabolic disorders (DM)
- Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism)
- Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinsons, anxiety, depression
Hydration goal for constipation tx?
8-12 glasses of water per day
Diet and lifestyle issues that can cause constipation? (Hint: 4)
Low fiber Low fluid Inactive lifestyle Preggers Drug induced (opiated)
TCAs, Diphenhydramine, and Antipsychotics are in what class? What can they cause?
Anticholinergics. Cause constipation.
Tx goals for constipation? (Hint: 3)
- Increase frequency of stool movement
- Soften stools
- Prevent recurrence
General rule about constipation meds?
Take a bedtime
When are constipation meds taken?
At night
What class if first-line treatment and prevention of constipation?
Polyethene Glycol PEG
MOA of Stool Softeners? When/who to use in?
Anion surfactant- detergents mixing aqueous and fatty substances to soften fecal mass.
Used to avoid straining s/p MI, surgery, hemorrhoid flare.
“All mush, no push.”
Stool Softener onset? Preventative or treatment or constipation? Example?
1-3 days onset. Prevention of constipation.
Ex: Docusate/Colace
MOA of Lubricants? Onset? Examples? Treatment or prevention of constipation?
Coats stool and prevents absorption of water allowing easier passage. 24h onset. Treatment.
Glycerin, Mineral Oil
Glycerin class? How given? Who to give to? Onset?
Lubricant. Suppository to children. 30 minute onset.
Mineral Oil class? DDI? Don’t give to who?
Lubricant. Can affect fat-soluable vitamins and Warfarin. Don’t give to bed-ridden patient due to aspiration pneumonia.
Bulk Forming MOA? Need to take with what? Time separation when taking other meds? Onset? Who not to use in? SE?
Promote Peristalsis. Must drink water. 1-3 day onset. 1-2 hour separation with other meds. Not in bed-ridden patients. Bloating and gas side-effects.
Are Bulk Forming meds preventative or treatment? Examples? What happens if not eat, drink, and move while on?
Preventative. Psyllium (Fibercon, Metamucil). If no move/eat/drink then turds turn into brick.
MOA of Osmotics? Side-effects? Treatment or prevention of constipation?
Nonabsorbable sugars which pull water into colon, soften stool and increase volume. Increases peristalsis. Cramping, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance. Prevention and treatment
Major side-effect of Osmotics?
Electrolye imbalance
Example of Osmotic and time to onset? Notable side-effect of one of them?
Lactulose=1-3 days
33% Sorbitol=onset quick but lower K
Saline Cathartic MOA? Onset? Routes?
Nonabsorbable cation and anions pull fluid into GI tract. 6 hour onset. PO and rectal. Use infrequenty!
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia). Sodium Phosphate.
Saline Cathartic frequency of use? Treatment or prevention of constipation?
Use infrequently (single use in hospital). Treatment of constipation.
What important to do while taking Saline Cathartics? Examples of Saline Cathartics?
Must maintain hydration.
Milk of Magnesia. Sodium Phosphate.
People with Renal impairment, Heart failure, or on Diuretics shouldn’t take which med class?
Saline Cathartics (Milk of Magnesia, Sodium Phosphate)