GI/GU Meds

Question 1

before giving a laxative, you should…

Answer 1

make sure they have bowel sounds & its not an obstruction

Question 2

how does psyllium work

Answer 2

bulk-forming
causes stool to absorb water, increasing the weight may stretch the colon and stimulate peristalsis

Question 3

psyllium side effects

Answer 3

potential bloating and gas

Question 4

psyllium should never be taken with…

Answer 4

food! take w water only

Question 5

only non-habit forming laxative that can be used long term

Answer 5

psyllium

Question 6

psyllium works after…

Answer 6

12-72 hours

Question 7

how does polyethylene glycol work

Answer 7

osmotic - promotes secretion of water into the colon

Question 8

what type of laxative should you try first - why?

Answer 8

polyethylene glycol - most gentle

Question 9

polyethylene glycol works within..

Answer 9

12-96 hours

Question 10

what can polyethylene glycol be mixed with?

Answer 10

anything liquid

Question 11

polyethylene glycol side effects

Answer 11

cramping, diarrhea

Question 12

how does bisacodyl work

Answer 12

stimulant
stimulates intestinal nerve endings and increases mucosal secretions - increases urge to go

Question 13

bisacodyl works within…

Answer 13

6-8 hours

Question 14

forms of bisacodyl

Answer 14

enteric coated tablets
suppositories

Question 15

bisacodyl side effects

Answer 15

electrolyte imbalances - especially in elderly

Question 16

what can bisacodyl be taken with?

Answer 16

not milk and antacids within 1 hour of administration :)

Question 17

how does docusate sodium work

Answer 17

fecal softener
only hydrates the stool

Question 18

docusate sodium indications

Answer 18

patients who shouldn’t bear down/strain - had an intestinal/abdominal surgery

Question 19

how does mineral oil work

Answer 19

lubricant
lubricates the intestinal mucosa

Question 20

mineral oil works within…

Answer 20

6-8 hours

Question 21

why isn’t mineral oil commonly used?

Answer 21

causes pneumonia if aspirated, tastes gross

Question 22

what can mineral oil be taken with?

Answer 22

take over an hour before or after eating - impairs the absorption

Question 23

what kind of med is loperamide?

Answer 23

anti-diarrheal

Question 24

what kind of med is bismuth subsalicylate

Answer 24

anti-diarrheal

Question 25

how does loperamide work?

Answer 25

inhibits peristalsis - affects GI wall muscles

Question 26

when should you NOT use loperamide?

Answer 26

cases of antibiotic related diarrhea

Question 27

loperamide side effects

Answer 27

drowsiness, possible respiratory depression

Question 28

how does bismuth subsalicylate work

Answer 28

decreases GI tract secretions

Question 29

what can bismuth subsalicylate be given with

Answer 29

not other medications - decreases their absorption, don't give at the same time

Question 30

things to remember about bismuth subsalicylate

Answer 30

turns stool black needs dosed every 6 hours

Question 31

with all antimicrobials, you should...

Answer 31

complete entire prescribed course, even if you feel better

Question 32

nitrofurantoin

Answer 32

stains urine rusty brown' do not crush - stains teeth; take w food

Question 33

amoxicillin

Answer 33

take with food; notify MD of diarrhea; will deactivate birth control

Question 34

ciprofloxacin

Answer 34

don't take within 2 hours of antacids; increased photosensitivity, assess tendons for swelling/rupture

Question 35

trimethoprim & sulfamethoxazole

Answer 35

assess for allergy; drink at least 3L/day to reduce risk of nephrotoxicity; increased photosensitivity

Question 36

how does phenazopyridine work

Answer 36

analgesic on the urinary tract - only helps w the burning

Question 37

phenazopyridine

Answer 37

take w food, turns urine red/orange

Question 38

how does hyoscyamine work

Answer 38

relaxes bladder muscles - treats spasms that cause frequency/urgency

Question 39

hyoscyamine

Answer 39

can be nephrotoxic; can cause blurred vision/eye problems, dizziness, tachycardia, increases eye photosensitivity

Question 40

what are the antimuscarinics?

Answer 40

oxybutynin, tolterodine, darifenacin

Question 41

how do antimuscarinics work?

Answer 41

for urinary incontinence - decreases contractions of the bladder

Question 42

antimuscarinics side effects

Answer 42

potential constipation, dry mouth/eyes, dizziness/drowsiness

Question 43

what should you take antimuscarinics with

Answer 43

2-3 L of water/day