Laxatives Flashcards
1
Q
Laxative considerations
A
- Take laxatives with plenty of water
- Long-term use can lead to dependence
- Don’t use if you have N/V, or abdominal pain
- Not recommended for children
2
Q
Laxative work by:
A
- changing fecal consistency
- increasing movement of GI
- removing stool from rectum
3
Q
Common misuse of laxatives
A
natural action is better
4
Q
Metamucil
Citrucel
Fiberall
A
- Type: bulking forming laxatives
- Action: add fiber to intestine, pulls water in & increases bulk of stool causing GI reflect to move the big stool out
- Nursing implications: mix powder w/ water, works in 12 hrs-3 days
- S/E: dehydration
5
Q
Docusate sodium (Colace)
Mineral oil
A
- Type: emollient
- Type #1
- Mild stool softeners
- Lowers surface tension of fluid so water & fat are pulled into stool
- Takes 1-3 days
- Type #2
- Lubricatns
- Coats fecal matter & keeps water from being drawon out & dehydrating stool (slippery)
- 6-8 hours
- Type #1
6
Q
GoLytely
Lactulose
A
- Hyperosmotic
- Surgical bowel procedure (colonestomy)
- Works quickly
- Large intestine
- Action: increases fecal water content causing distention and increased peristalsis
7
Q
FLeet enema
Milk of magnesia
Espson salts (quite harsh)
A
- Saline type “enemas”
- Action: inhibits bowel from taking in water & electrolytes, keeps stool loose & watery
- Enema forms take only 2-5 minutes
- Chronic use
8
Q
Dulcolax
Senokot
A
- Stimulant
- Action: stimulates the nerves of the intestine to increase peristalsis
- 6-12 hours
- Use sparingly (very harsh)
9
Q
Common causes of constipation
A
- Metabolic/ endocrine disorders
- diabetes, pregnancy, hypothyroidism
- Neurogenic
- spinal cord injury
- Adverse drug reaction
- analgesics, aluminum antacids
- Lifestyle (most common)
- Poor bowel habits
- Diet
- Activity
- Psychological
10
Q
Laxatives
A
Treatment for constipation
11
Q
Constipation
A
infrequent or difficult passage of stool
12
Q
Usual time from ingestion to defecation
A
24-36 hours
13
Q
T/F
Is constipation a disease?
A
False
Constipation is a symptom of a disease
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