Pharmaceutical care in GI disease

Question 1

Coeliac disease is a food allergy. True or false?

Answer 1

False - it is an autoimmune disease

Question 2

In coeliac disease, the body’s immune system attacks itself when what is eaten?

Answer 2

Gluten

Question 3

Wheat allergy is a reaction to proteins found in wheat. True or false?

Answer 3

True

Question 4

The reaction following consumption of gluten is the same as an allergic reaction and causes an anaphylactic shock. True or false?

Answer 4

False

Question 5

Symptoms of coeliac disease only affects one area of the body. True or false?

Answer 5

False - can affect any area - known as a ‘multi-system disorder’

Question 6

There is no cure for ceoliac disease. True or false?

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Which two conditions allow prescriptions for basic types of food?

Answer 7

Coeliac disease

Dermatitis herpetiformis

Question 8

Patients with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis don’t have to pay for their prescriptions for food. True or false?

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is the difference between a PEG tube and a PEJ tube?

Answer 9

PEG - into stomach

PEJ - into jejunum

Question 10

What determines whether a permanent of temporary stoma is needed?

Answer 10

A temporary one is usually used to divert faeces away from surgically rejoined intestine or to provide an outlet for faeces if there is an obstruction
A permanent one may be needed when disease or its treatment results in loss of normal bowel or urinary function

Question 11

Stoma care is available in all pharmacies. True or false?

Answer 11

False - it is an advanced service - needs training

Question 12

Laxatives should not be used for patients with an ileostomy. Why?

Answer 12

May cause a rapid and severe loss of water and electrolytes

Question 13

Colostomy patients may suffer with constipation. How should this be treated?

Answer 13

Increase fluid intake
Bulk forming drugs can be tried
Increase dietary fibre

Question 14

Enteric coating/ slow release formulations are unsuitable for patients who have a stoma. True or false?

Answer 14

True

Question 15

Why are antacids not suitable for patients with a stoma?

Answer 15

The tendency to diarrhoea from magnesium salts or constipation from calcium salts may increase

Question 16

Why are iron preparations not suitable for patients with a stoma?

Answer 16

May cause loose stools

Question 17

Diuretics are not suitable for patients with a stoma. Why?

Answer 17

Because may cause dehydration and potassium depletion - use potassium sparing diuretics if needed

Question 18

Why is digoxin a problem for patients with a stoma?

Answer 18

Because these patients are more prone to hypokalaemia if taking digoxin, due to fluid and sodium depletion.

Question 19

Liquid formulation of potassium supplements are preferred to modified release formulations for stoma patients. True or false?

Answer 19

True - and dose should be split to avoid osmotic diarrhoea