Laxative Profile And Nursing Implications

Question 0

What is the general action for laxatives?

Answer 0

Laxatives induce one or more bowel movements per day. Increasing fluid intake, exercising, and adding more dietary fiber are also useful in the management of chronic constipation.

Question 1

What is the general use of laxatives?

Answer 1

Laxatives are used to treat or prevent constipation or to prepare for radiological or endoscopic procedures.

Question 2

What are contraindications for laxative use?

Answer 2

Hypersensitivity. Contraindicated in persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting of unknown cause, especially if accompanied by fever or other signs of an acute abdomen.

Question 3

What are precautions associated with laxatives?

Answer 3

Excessive a prolonged use may lead to dependence. Should not be used in children unless advised by physician or other healthcare professional.

Question 4

Describe interactions with laxatives.

Answer 4

Theoretically may decrease the absorption of other oral administer drugs by decreasing transit time.

Question 5

Describe the assessment nursing application of laxatives.

Answer 5

• Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern about function.
• Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.

Question 6

What are potential nursing diagnoses associated with laxatives?

Answer 6

• Constipation (indications)

- Deficient knowledge, related to disease process and medication regimen (patient/ family teaching)

Question 7

What are the six groups of laxatives?

Answer 7

1. Bulk forming agents
2. Opioid antagonists
3. Salines
4. Stimulant laxatives
5. Stool softeners

Question 8

Give one example of a bulk forming agent laxative.

Answer 8

Psyllium

Question 9

Give one example of an opioid antagonist.

Answer 9

methylnaltrexone

Question 10

List three examples of osmotic laxatives.

Answer 10

1. lactulose
2. polyethylene glycol
3. polyethylene glycol/electrolyte

Question 11

List six examples of saline laxatives.

Answer 11

1. magnesium chloride
2. magnesium citrate
3. magnesium gluconate
4. magnesium hydroxide
5. magnesium oxide
6. phosphate/biphosphate

Question 12

Give two examples of stimulant laxatives.

Answer 12

1. bisacodyl

2. sennosides

Question 13

Give two examples of stool softening laxatives.

Answer 13

1. docusate calcium

2. docusate sodium