Laxatives & Anti-D's

Question 1

psyllium mucilloid :Characteristics

Answer 1

bulk forming

emollient

increases fecal matter

for prevention & LT management of
constipation

Question 2

psyllium mucilloid: nursing implications

Answer 2

Mixture congeals

Make take up to 3 days to work

Question 3

Docusate sodium: characteristics

Answer 3

Emollient

Promotes h2o absorption into stool

Prevents constipation

Question 4

Docusate sodium: nursing implications

Answer 4

Administer w/ full glass of water
Oral, capsule, liquid
May take 3-5 days to work

Question 5

Mineral oil: characteristics

Answer 5

Emollient-lubricates fecal material and intestines

Improves water retention

Can be ordered as enema or taken orally

Question 6

Mineral oil: nursing implications

Answer 6

Tastes disgusting

Disrupts fat- soluble vitamin absorption

Question 7

bisacodyl sennaL: characteristics

Answer 7

• Tx of constipation
• Stimulates intestinal nerves
• Laxative dependence and F&E depletion
• Continued use decreases bodies ability to preform like normal
• peristalsis

Question 8

Bisacodyl senna: nursing implications

Answer 8

• Hypokalema w/ chronic use and decreased absorption of other drugs
• see K+ info for s/sx

Question 9

Milk of magnesia: characteristics

Answer 9

Laxative & antacid

Osmotically active in GI

Draws h2o into GI lumen

Creates osmotic pressure= peristalsis

Can affect absorption of other medications

Question 10

Milk of magnesia: nursing implications

Answer 10

Shake solution

Advise about timing of other drugs

Should wait 2 hours between med administration

Question 11

Magnesium citrate: characteristics

Answer 11

Bowel prep- evacuant

Osomotically active in GI

Question 12

Magnesium citrate: nursing implications

Answer 12

Refrigerate to make more palatable

Pour over ice

LT use will cause F&E imbalance

Question 13

Polyethylene Glycol: characteristics

Answer 13

Tx of occasional constipation

Can be used up to 2 weeks w/o F&E imbalance

Question 14

Polyethylene Glycol : nursing implications

Answer 14

Mix w/ 8oz every 10-15minutes

LT use will cause F&E imbalance and dependence

Question 15

Polyethylene Glycol/ electrolyte : Characteristics

Answer 15

Osmotic agent

Bowel prep for colon procedures

Reconstituted with water

4 L/ volume

Question 16

Saline enema: characteristics

Answer 16

Intermittent Tx chronic constipation

Bowel prep

Osmotically active in GI (increased Peristalsis)

Question 17

Bismuth subsalicylate: characteristics

Answer 17

Adsorbent

Indications: nausea, abdominal cramping, heartburn, indigestions

Mild to moderate diarrhea

Travelers diarrhea

Salicylate- anti inflammatory properties

Question 18

Bismuth subsalicylate; nursing implications

Answer 18

• may increase risk of salicylate toxicity if taken w/ ASA

Stools and tongue may appear grey- black

May be C/I w/ ASA sensitivity

Question 19

diphenoxylate/atropin: characteristics

atropine

Answer 19

Opiate

• antidiarrheal/ anticholinergic combo drug
• schedule 5 controlled sub stance
• inhibits excess GI motility
• atropine- decrease GI mobility

Question 20

loperamide: characteristics

Answer 20

-Synthetic anti-diarrheal
-Slows peristalsis
-Tx of acute diarrhea
-Maintenance for chronic diarrhea d/t irritable bowl disorder
(IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
-similar to diphenoxylate

Question 21

loperamide: nursing implications

Answer 21

AE: dizziness (CNS suppressant), dry mouth

tachycardia

may be taken after each loose stool;

NTE max dose for acute diarrhea (16mg in hospt)

Question 22

diphenoxylate/atropin: Nursing implications

atropine

Answer 22

AE: dizziness (CNS suppressant), dry mouth
tachycardia
may be taken after each loose stool;
NTE max dose (8mg/day)
risk of dependence w/ high dose/LT use
usually used as adjunct ; underlying cause
needs to be treated 1st

Question 23

Lactobacillus acidophilus: characteristics

Answer 23

beneficial probiotic

corrects altered GI flora after bouts of diarrhea

Travel’s diarrhea

antibiotic-induced diarrhea

Lactobacillus found in food

Question 24

Lactobacillus acidophilus: nursing implications

Answer 24

can be used in acute care

depends on patient’s diet

found in yogurt or in liquid, tablet, powder