Laxatives

Question 1

Characteristics of a working Colon?

Answer 1

• Soft stool.
• Well-formed stool.
• Smooth stool elimination without straining.

Question 2

Causes of Constipation?

Answer 2

• Low fiber diet.
• Low fluid intake.
• Hirschsprung disease (less common).
• Immobility and lack of exercise.
• Adverse effects from medications (Opioids, Anticholinergics).

Question 3

Signs and symptoms of Constipation?

Answer 3

• Hard stools.
• Decreased frequency of stools.
• Straining during bowel movements.
• A sense of incomplete bowel movements.

Question 4

Facts about Laxatives?

Answer 4

• They treat and prevent constipation.
• They prevent painful elimination.
• Prepare patients for surgeries and procedure involving bowel movements.

Question 5

Examples of Laxatives?

Answer 5

• Docusate.
• Lactulose.
• Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Miralax).
• Senna.

Question 6

Facts about Docusate?

Answer 6

• Most mild laxative.
• Its a surfactant laxative.
• It allows water to enter hardened stools making them softer and easier to pass.

Question 7

Facts about Lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Miralax)?

Answer 7

• They are Osmotic diuretics.
• They pull a bunch of water into the intestines, this stimulates peristalsis.
• PEG 3350 is the most common laxative.

Question 8

Facts about Senna?

Answer 8

• They irritate the intestinal tract, they trigger peristalsis.

Question 9

High yield concepts of laxatives?

Answer 9

• Encourage Pt to drink alot of water.
• Senna - Decreases bowel tone & lead to dependency.
• PEG 3350 - Powder you mix with water.
• Lactulose - Correct abnormal high serum Ammonia levels associated with Liver failure.
• Laxative overuse & electrolyte imbalances
  * They are addictive.