Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

Question 1

A major cerebral center that lies near the medulla

Answer 1

Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ)

Question 2

A major cerebral center that causes vomiting when stimulated

Answer 2

Vomiting Center

Question 3

Drugs used to induce vomiting

Answer 3

Emetics

Question 4

Hyperosmolar are which type of laxatives

Answer 4

Osmotics

Question 5

Lubricants and stool softeners used to prevent constipation are what type of laxative

Answer 5

Emollients

Question 6

Nonpharmacologic Measure for vomiting include:

Answer 6

Weak tea
Flat soda
Gelatin
Pedialyte
Gatorade
Crackers
Dry toast
Avoid spicy/fatty foods

Question 7

When do we use IV fluids to treat vomiting?

Answer 7

If they patient has symptoms of dehydration.

Question 8

Side effects of antihistamines include:

Answer 8

Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention

Question 9

When should motion sickness meds be taken?

Answer 9

30 minutes to 1 hour before travel

Question 10

Antihistamines and anticholinergics help with nausea by:

Answer 10

Acting primarily on the vomiting center. Decreasing stimulation of CTZ and vestibular pathways.

Question 11

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and Promethazine (Phenergan) are what type of antiemetic?

Answer 11

Antihistamine

Question 12

True or False: Promethazine (Phenergan) can be used in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

Scopolamine is what type of antiemetic?

Answer 13

Anticholinergic

Question 14

The 3 categories of dopamine antagonists used as antiemetics are:

Answer 14

Phenothiazines(Compazine), butyrophenones(Haldol), and benzodiazepines(Ativan)

Question 15

Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is an example of which type of dopamine antagonist?

Answer 15

Phenothiazine

Question 16

Phenothiazines are also used to treat what type of disorders?

Answer 16

Mental and emotional disorders, used in smaller doses as antiemetics

Question 17

Phenothiazines work by:

Answer 17

Blocking dopamine receptors in CTZ suppressing emesis

Question 18

Haloperidol and droperidol are which type of dopamine antagonist?

Answer 18

Butyrophenones

Question 19

True or False: Butyrophenones have the same mechanism of action as phenothiazines.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

Side effects of Butyrophenones include:

Answer 20

EPS and hypotension

Question 21

Diazepam and Lorazepam are which type of dopamine antagonist?

Answer 21

Benzodiazepines

Question 22

Ondansetron (Zofran), granisetron, dolasetron, and palonosetron are what type of antiemetic?

Answer 22

Serotonin antagonists

Question 23

Common side effects of serotonin antagonists include:

Answer 23

Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue

Question 24

Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone are which type of drug?

Answer 24

Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids)

Question 25

Dronabinol and Marinol are which type of drug?

Answer 25

Cannabinoids

Question 26

How are Cannabinoids administered to help alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy?

Answer 26

They are taken by mouth 1-3 hours before chemo and every 2-4 hours after for a max of 6 doses/day.

Question 27

How does metoclopramide (Reglan) work?

Answer 27

It blocks dopamine receptors in the CTZ.

Question 28

True or False: Metoclopramide (Reglan) is routinely used in children.

Answer 28

False, EPS occur more frequently in children

Question 29

True or False: It is better to use nonpharmacological treatments for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

Answer 29

True

Question 30

When should emetics not be used after ingestion of a toxic substance?

Answer 30

When the person has ingested caustic substances like bleach, lye, ammonia, toilet cleaners, or battery acid. Neither should they be used for ingestion of petroleum distillates.

Question 31

What should be used instead of emetics when vomiting is contraindicated?

Answer 31

Activated charcoal

Question 32

Nonpharmacological treatments for diarrhea include:

Answer 32

Clear liquids, oral solutions (gatorade, pedialyte), IV electrolyte solutions

Question 33

True or False: The use of Loperamide (Imodium) can prolong the duration of Traveler's diarrhea.

Answer 33

True

Question 34

Diphenoxylate w/ Atropine (Lomotil) and Loperamide (Imodium) are which type of antidiarrheal?

Answer 34

Opiates

Question 35

Why is atropine added to diphenoxylate?

Answer 35

It is an anticholinergic drug that decreases intestinal cramping, motility, and secretions. It also helps to decrease the incidence of abuse.

Question 36

True or False: Opiates that are used for diarrhea cannot cause respiratory depression.

Answer 36

False

Question 37

Adsorbents work by:

Answer 37

Coating the wall of the GI tract and adsorbing bacteria and toxins.

Question 38

Kaolin-pectin and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are examples of which type of antidiarreheal?

Answer 38

Adsorbents

Question 39

Nonpharmacological treatments for constipation include:

Answer 39

Fiber, water, exercise, and routine bowel habits.

Question 40

Lactulose is an example of which type of laxative?

Answer 40

Osmotic (Saline)

Question 41

What are the differences between laxatives, cathartics, and purgatives?

Answer 41

Laxatives promote soft stool. Cathartics promote soft to watery stool with cramping. Purgatives promote watery stool with cramping. Some medications' action as laxatives or cathartics depends on the dose.

Question 42

Osmotic laxatives work by:

Answer 42

Pulling water into the colon increasing bulk in feces which stimulates peristalsis.

Question 43

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), senna, and castor oil are which type of laxative?

Answer 43

Stimulants

Question 44

Stimulant laxatives work by:

Answer 44

Increasing peristalsis by irritating sensory nerve endings in the intestinal mucosa.

Question 45

Metamucil, Miralax, and Fibercon are which type of laxative?

Answer 45

Bulk-forming

Question 46

True or False: It is important to drink a lot of fluid when taking bulk-forming laxatives.

Answer 46

True. They can solidify in the GI and cause an intestinal obstruction.

Question 47

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is what type of laxative?

Answer 47

Chloride channel activator

Question 48

How is Lubiprostone (Amitiza) used?

Answer 48

It is used for idiopathic constipation in adults.

Question 49

Contraindications for Laxative use include:

Answer 49

Undiagnosed abdominal pain Inflammatory disorders of the GI tract Spastic colon Bowel obstruction Pregnancy