GI Motility Agents Flashcards
What are antidiarrheals?
drugs that block the stimulation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to decreased activity and increased time for absorption of needed nutrients and water
What is a bulk stimulant?
agent that increases in bulk, frequently by osmotic pull of fluid into the feces
the increased bulk stretches the GI wall, causing stimulation and increased GI movement
What is cathartic dependence?
overuse of laxatives that can lead to the need for strong stimuli to initiate movement in the intestines
local reflexes become resistant to normal stimuli after prolonged use of harsher stimulants, leading to further laxative use
What is a chemical stimulant?
agent that stimulates the normal GI reflexes by chemically irritating the lining of the GI wall, leading to increased activity in the GI tract
What is constipation?
slower-than-normal evacuation of the large intestine, which can result in increased water absorption from the feces and can lead to impaction
What is diarrhea?
more-frequent-than-normal bowel movements, often characterized as fluid-like and watery because not enough time for absorption is allowed during the passage of food through the intestines
What is a lubricant?
agent that increases the viscosity of the feces, making it difficult to absorb water from the bolus and easing movement of the bolus through the intestines
What other things should we teach people to do to help with constipation?
proper diet
plenty of fluids
exercise
Which laxative is best for children?
glycerin suppositories
What do we give children that have encopresis (nighttime bowel accidents)?
senna preparations
mineral oil
What is cathartic dependence?
Prolonged use of laxatives leads to the patient needing the laxative to poop
Which laxative is the preferred product for older adults and why?
psyllium products b/c there is less risk of adverse reactions
