Deck 42: Drugs for Bowel Disorders and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions

Question 1

The client takes a stool softener on a regular basis and now reports a change in bowel patterns. Which assessment finding is the priority for the nurse to discuss with the physician?

A) Stools that are smaller in size
B) An increase in bowel frequency
C) A decrease in bowel frequency
D) Cramping with each stool passed

Answer 1

Cramping with each stool passed

Question 2

A client who was diagnosed with Clostridium difficile calls the clinic and says, "I'm still having diarrhea so I started taking an over-the-counter medication to stop it." How should the nurse respond?

A) "Which antidiarrheal are you taking?"
B) "How many doses have you taken?"
C) "Stop taking the medicine and come to the clinic."
D) "Is it stopping your diarrhea?"

Answer 2

"Stop taking the medicine and come to the clinic."

Question 3

The client has been vomiting for several days. The nurse would assess the client for which acid-base disturbance?

A) Metabolic acidosis
B) Respiratory alkalosis
C) Metabolic alkalosis
D) Respiratory acidosis

Answer 3

Metabolic alkalosis

Question 4

The mechanism of action of the antidiarrheal atropine (Lomotil) is to

A) promote stool passage.
B) block dopamine receptors in the brain.
C) increase stool formation.
D) slow peristalsis.

Question 5

Which client is most at risk to develop constipation?

A) The pediatric client who takes antibiotics for ear infections
B) The elderly client who routinely takes a stimulant laxative twice daily.
C) The young client in the hospital for an appendectomy
D) The middle-aged client who uses an enema when he travels

Question 6

The primary role of the large intestine is to

A) excrete fecal matter.
B) absorb nutrients.
C) excrete enzymes.
D) control peristalsis.

Question 7

The client receives prochlorperazine (Compazine) for nausea and vomiting. The nurse notices that the client is exhibiting a stiff neck, turned to the side. What is the best action by the nurse?

A) Administer the client's as needed analgesic immediately.
B) Contact the physician immediately.
C) Hold the next dose and observe the client.
D) Ask the client if she has ever experienced this before.

Question 8

Which statement best describes the pathogenesis of diarrhea?

A) It is infrequent passage of stool.
B) It occurs when the large intestine reabsorbs water.
C) It is caused by lack of fiber in the diet.
D) It is an increase in frequency of stool.

Question 9

A client has developed nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's primary treatment?

A) Replacing fluids
B) Identifying and eliminating the cause
C) Encouraging the client to lie still
D) Providing the client with soft foods

Question 10

After a client begins pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, the nurse will assess for

A) headache.
B) dry mouth.
C) nausea and vomiting.
D) falls.

Question 11

The client takes diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) for diarrhea. The client asks the nurse why he does not experience pain relief since this drug is an opioid. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "This drug is not an opioid; did your doctor tell you that?"
B) "You would really have to take a lot to experience pain relief."
C) "It does provide some relief from the pain associated with diarrhea."
D) "Because this opioid does not have analgesic properties."

Question 12

The nurse has completed medication education for the client who takes psyllium mucilloid (Metamucil). The nurse recognizes that additional teaching is indicated when the client makes which statement?

A) "I don't need to drink extra fluids while I take this medication."
B) "My cholesterol level will be reduced somewhat with this medication."
C) "This medication is a lot more natural than other laxatives."
D) "This medication takes several days to work."

Question 13

The nurse is planning care for the client who experiences frequent constipation. What will the best plan by the nurse include?

A) Increase protein in the diet.
B) Drink a glass of water every hour.
C) Increase dairy products in the diet.
D) Increase dietary fiber in the diet.
E) Increase daily physical exercise.

Question 14

The nursing instructor is teaching student nurses about lower gastrointestinal (GI) functioning and the large intestine. The nursing instructor evaluates that learning has occurred when the students make which statement?

A) "The large intestine contains host flora that manufacture vitamin E."
B) "The large intestine absorbs most of the nutrients from food."
C) "The large intestine absorbs water and eliminates stool."
D) "Food travels through the large intestine for 3 to 6 hours."

Question 15

Stool softeners

A) break up fecal material.
B) decrease peristalsis.
C) promote water absorption in the intestine.
D) increase peristalsis.

Question 16

The client is scheduled for bowel surgery. What medications are appropriate for cleansing the bowel, or "bowel prep," prior to this procedure?

A) Docusate sodium (Colace)
B) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
C) Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
D) Sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda)
E) Mineral oil

Question 17

An elderly client has constipation. He asks the nurse the reason for this. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "You could have a serious illness and should check with your doctor."
B) "You probably drink too much alcohol and end up constipated."
C) "You probably don't eat enough fiber, so the stool stays in your intestine too long."
D) "Your large intestine is old and does not work as well as it used to."

Question 18

A client has been prescribed sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Which nursing assessment question is essential?

A) "How long have you had ulcerative colitis?"
B) "What are you allergic to?"
C) "Are you lactose intolerant?"
D) "Do you have to stand in one place for long periods of time at your work?"

Question 19

The nurse designs a teaching plan for the client with chronic pancreatitis who receives pancrelipase (Pancreaze). What will the best plan by the nurse include as it relates to the rationale for the client to receive this drug?

A) "These enzymes replace what your ineffective pancreas cannot make."
B) "These enzymes will help promote healing of your pancreas."
C) "These enzymes promote digestion of starches and fats."
D) "These enzymes will help digest all of the food you eat."

Question 20

A client has been prescribed prochlorperazine (Compazine) for nausea. Possible adverse effects would include

A) diarrhea.
B) dry mouth.
C) hypertension.
D) bradycardia.

Question 21

The nurse is explaining the action of the gastrointestinal tract to a patient who has chronic constipation. The nurse would explain that which area is where the majority of water is absorbed from the stool mass?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Question 22

A patient has been started on a stool softener for constipation. Which information should the nurse provide regarding onset of action?

A) "Continue to take this medication until your stool is very loose and diarrhea-like."
B) "If your discomfort gets worse, return to the clinic."
C) "This medication will work in about 8 hours."
D) "If you do not have a bowel movement by tomorrow, return to the clinic."

Question 23

While a nurse is collecting medical history, the client says, "I was diagnosed with a spastic colon." How should the nurse interpret this statement?

A) The client has ulcerative colitis.
B) The client has had recurrent abdominal pain for at least 3 months.
C) The client has irritable bowel syndrome.
D) The client's disease is psychosomatic.
E) The client has Crohn's disease.

Question 24

A patient who has motion sickness is going on a cruise. The nurse provides which information about the antiemetic prescribed to prevent this disorder?

A) "Take a double dose of the medication for the first 2 days of the trip."
B) "Buy an over-the-counter motion sickness medication to take with this prescription."
C) "Start taking your medication before you leave for your trip."
D) "Find out how sleepy this drug will make you by taking your first dose right before bedtime."
E) "Avoid milk products while taking this medication."

Question 25

A patient who has been taking diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) is very drowsy and has a respiratory rate of 10 bpm. The roommate, who brought the patient to the emergency department, states that the patient took "a whole bottle" of the drug. Which nursing action is indicated?

A) Administer a beta blocker
B) Administer naloxone
C) Administer high volume intravenous fluids
D) Administer activated charcoal

Question 26

A patient with constipation has been prescribed a bulk-forming laxative. Which information will the nurse provide about taking this medication?

A) "You may take this powder dry if you take it in small amounts."
B) "Drink a full glass of water after you take this medication."
C) "Let the medication mixture set for a few minutes after mixing before drinking."
D) "Lie down for 30 minutes after you take this medication."

Question 27

A client says she would like to control her nausea with natural products instead of drugs. What education should the nurse provide?

A) "Peppermint may be effective."
B) "Some people believe ginger ale is effective against nausea."
C) "Vitamin E oil is sometimes effective for nausea."
D) "Milk is usually an effective anti-nausea treatment."
E) "There are no natural remedies for nausea."

Question 28

A client asks if he could use an over-the-counter bulk-type laxative. Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to tell the client not to use this drug?

A) The client is over age 60.
B) The client takes warfarin every other day.
C) The client has type 2 diabetes.
D) The client has a history of fecal impaction.
E) The client is allergic to penicillin.

Question 29

A nurse would question a prescription for sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) if the client is also taking which medication?

A) Insulin
B) Digoxin
C) Warfarin
D) Penicillin
E) Vitamin C

Question 30

A client calls the clinic and says, "I have been taking Imodium (loperamide) for diarrhea, but it isn't helping." How should the nurse respond?

A) "Are you taking it after every episode of diarrhea?"
B) "Imodium is not effective against diarrhea."
C) "This medication may make you sleepy."
D) "You may have to take the maximum dose for 2 or 3 days before diarrhea slows."
E) "You should come in for assessment."