GI medications (pharmacology)

Question 1

Understand the nursing considerations in the management of vomiting and diarrhoea

Answer 1

• the vomiting center is located in the brainstem
• the chemoreceptor trigger has two main types of receptors Dopamine and Seratonin
• vomit centre has muscarinic receptors

Question 2

Discuss the use and modes of action of antacids

Answer 2

• they are used for fast immediate relief

- they work to immediately neutralize stomach acid and inhibit pepsin

Question 3

Discuss the use and modes of action of antacids

Answer 3

• they are used for fast immediate relief

- they work to immediately neutralize stomach acid and inhibit pepsin

Question 4

Describe pharmacological approaches to the management of GORD

Answer 4

• over the counter medication (antacids)- quickeze and gaviscon which change the way that acid is produced in the stomach
• proton pump inhibitors which reduce the acid secretion by up tp 99%

Question 5

Describe pharmacological approaches to the management of peptic
ulcer disease

Answer 5

• treatment of a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors
• H2 receptor antagonists which lower basal and food-stimulated acid secretion by around 90% and promote healing of peptic ulcers

Question 6

Describe laxatives and their modes of action

Answer 6

• laxatives are used to stimulate bowel movement
• they may be pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories and enemas
• laxatives contain chemicals that help increase stool motility, bulk, and frequency to relieve temporary constipation
• bulking agents- increase H2O content of the stool moving it more quickly through the colon
• lubricant laxatives- make stool slippery to increase the speed of movement through the colon
• emollient laxatives- stool softeners