MCP Lower GI Flashcards
1
Q
Constipation: Definition and Symptoms
A
- Decrease in the frequency of fecal elimination
- Symptoms:
- Difficult passage of hard, dry stools
- Straining to have a stool
- Not feeling completely evacuated
2
Q
Diarrhea: Definition and Symptoms
A
- Abnormal increase in stool frequency or liquidity
- More than 3 bowel movements per day is considered abnormal
3
Q
When to refer:
A
- Blood or mucous in stool
- Acute abdominal pain/cramps
- N/V with Constipation
- Persistent comiting with Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea:
- Temperature >101
- Children, elderly, pregnant
- Immunocompramised
- DM, severe renal dz, multiple unstable med. conditions
- Does not improve or worsens after 48 hours
- Constipation
- Sudden change in BM lasting for >2weeks
- Laxative use with no BM
4
Q
Non-pharmalogical Recommedations: Constipation
A
- Add fiber, whole grains to diet and limit foods without fiber
- Soluble fiber: absorb water, help manage diabetes and cholesterol
- Insoluable fiber: not absorb water, good for constipation
- See effect in 3-5 days
- Drink more liquids
- Exercise more regularly
- Avoid stress
5
Q
Non-pharmalogical Recommendations: Diarrhea
A
- Drink caffeine free, clear liquids
- Replace electrolytes
- BRAT diet
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
6
Q
Stool Softners: Drugs, MOA, Indications, Onset, Duration
A
- Docusate sodium (Colace, DOSS-Relief)
- MOA:
- Draws water into the stool to mix with and soften stool
- Indications:
- Constipation prevention
- To prevent straining in pts. with anorect. conditins
- Onset: 1-3 days
- Duration: 3 days
7
Q
Stool Softners: Administration
A
- Take 1 to 4 times daily as needed
- Take with full glass of water
- Use for up to 1 week unless otherwise advised by PCP
8
Q
Stool Softners: Side Effects
A
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Bitter taste in mouth
9
Q
Stool Softners: Cautions/Contraindications
A
- GI obstruction, nausea or vomiting
- Concomitant use with mineral oil
10
Q
Bulk Forming Laxatives: Drugs, MOA, Indication, Onset
A
- Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
- Psyllium (Metamucil)
- MOA:
- Dissolve or swell in fluid of intestines, stimulate peristalsis and evacuation
- Indications
- Treatment of occasional constipation
- May be indicated for patients on low fiber diets, older patients, patients with IBS
- Prophylaxis for patients that should refrain from: straining
- Onset:
- 12-24 hours
11
Q
Bulk Forming Laxatives: Administration
A
- Powder: 1 rounded tablespoon, up to 3 times per day
- Mix with 8 oz of water or juice
- Metamucil: also available in capsules, waffers, and fiber singles
- Citrucel: also available in fiber caplets
12
Q
Bulk-Forming Laxatives: Side Effects, Cautions/Contraindications
A
- Side Effects
- Abdominal cramping
- Flatulence
- Cautions/Contraindications
- GI obstruction, nausea or vomiting
- Patients with difficulty swallowing
- Patients with fluid restriction
- Separate doses of bulk-forming laxatives from other medication by 2 hours
13
Q
Hyperosmotic Laxatives: Drugs
A
- PEG (Miralax, GoLytely)
- Glycerin (Pedia-lax)
- Lactulose (Enulose)
14
Q
Hyperosmotic Laxatives: MOA, indications
A
- MOA
- Draws water into stool via electolyte and osmotic effects, causing perstalsis and bowel movement
- Indications
- Treatment of occasional constipation
- Bowel prep/cleansing before intestinal procedures (ex: colonoscopy)
15
Q
Administration, Onset, SE: PEG
A
- Miralax
- Dissolve 1 capful in 4-8 ox of liquid and drink once daily, use up to 2 weeks
- Onset 12-72 hours
- GoLytely
- Fill jug with water, drink every 10 min until 4L consumed or rectal effluent is clear.
- Chilling helps with taste
- Onset: 0.5-2 hours
- SE
- Bloating, cramping, abdominal discomfort