Deck 79: Laxatives

Question 1

A patient's provider has recommended a bulk-forming laxative for occasional constipation. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching about this agent?

A) "I can take this medication long term."
B) "I should not take this drug if I have diverticulitis."
C) "I should take each dose with a full glass of water."
D) "This drug can cause severe diarrhea."

Answer 1

"I should take each dose with a full glass of water."

Question 2

The parent of a child with cerebral palsy reports that the child has pebble-like stools most of the time and seems uncomfortable if several days have passed between stools. The nurse will suggest that the parent discuss which medication with the child's provider?

A) Bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppositories
B) Magnesium citrate
C) Methylcellulose [Citrucel]
D) Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]

Answer 2

Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]

Question 3

A patient has been taking psyllium [Metamucil] two to three times daily for several days. The patient complains of stomach pain but has not had a stool. What will the nurse do?

A) Ask the patient to drink a full glass of water.
B) Give another dose of the psyllium.
C) Request an order for a bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppository.
D) Palpate the patient's abdomen and auscultate for bowel sounds.

Answer 3

Palpate the patient's abdomen and auscultate for bowel sounds.

Question 4

A patient reports taking an oral bisacodyl laxative [Dulcolax] for several years. The provider has suggested discontinuing the laxative,but the patient is unsure how to do this. The nurse will tell the patient to:

A) stop taking the oral laxative and use a suppository until normal motility resumes.
B) stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days.
C) switch to a bulk-forming laxative, such as methylcellulose [Metamucil].
D) withdraw from the laxative slowly to avoid a rebound constipation effect.

Question 5

A 6-year-old child has frequent constipation. The nurse provides teaching after the parent asks the nurse why the provider recommended using laxatives only when needed. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?

A) "Children who take laxatives regularly can become dehydrated."
B) "Chronic laxative use can cause electrolyte imbalances."
C) "Frequent use of laxatives can cause diverticulitis."
D) "The normal reflex to defecate can be inhibited with overuse of laxatives."

Question 6

A patient has been taking senna [Senokot] for several days,and the nurse notes that the urine is yellowish-brown. What does the nurse know about this symptom?

A) It indicates that renal failure has occurred.
B) It is caused by dehydration, which is a laxative side effect.
C) It is a sign of toxicity, indicating immediate withdrawal of the drug.
D) It is an expected, harmless effect of senna.

Question 7

A patient with renal disease is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Before the procedure,the nurse will anticipate administering:

A) glycerin suppository.
B) magnesium hydroxide (MOM).
C) polyethylene glycol and electrolytes.
D) sodium phosphate.

Question 8

Which condition would cause the nurse to withhold a PRN order for magnesium hydroxide?

A) Chronic renal failure
B) Cirrhosis
C) Hemorrhoids
D) Prostatitis

Question 9

A patient is admitted with lower abdominal pain and nausea. The nurse performing the initial assessment notes that the patient's abdomen is distended and firm,and hypoactive bowel sounds are present. The patient has not had a stool for 3 days. The nurse will contact the provider,who will:

A) order a bulk-forming laxative.
B) order extra fluids and fiber.
C) perform diagnostic tests.
D) prescribe a cathartic laxative.

Question 10

Which laxatives may be used safely in infants? (Select all that apply.)

A) Castor oil
B) Docusate sodium (Colace)
C) Glycerin suppositories
D) Lactulose
E) Milk of magnesia

Question 11

A nurse is taking a history on a clinic patient who reports being constipated. Upon further questioning,the nurse learns that the patient's last stool was 4 days ago,that it was of normal,soft consistency,and that the patient defecated without straining. The patient's abdomen is not distended,and bowel sounds are present. The patient reports usually having a stool every 1 to 2 days. What will the nurse do?

A) Ask about recent food and fluid intake.
B) Discuss the use of polyethylene glycol [MiraLax].
C) Recommend a bulk laxative.
D) Suggest using a bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppository.

Question 12

A nurse receives an order to administer castor oil to a patient. Which action by the nurse is correct?

A) Administer the medication at bedtime.
B) Chill the medication and mix it with fruit juice.
C) Provide teaching about home use of this medication.
D) Teach the patient that the effects will occur slowly.

Question 13

A patient will undergo a colonoscopy,and the provider has ordered sodium phosphate as a bowel cleanser before the procedure. The nurse reviews the patient's chart and notes that the patient's creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen are both elevated. What will the nurse do?

A) Reduce the amount of fluid given with the laxative to prevent fluid retention.
B) Request an order to give polyethylene glycol and electrolytes (PEG-ELS) instead.
C) Suggest that the patient reduce the dietary sodium intake.
D) Suggest using a suppository laxative instead.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for an older adult patient after a right hip open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The patient is taking an opioid every 6 hours as needed for pain. The nurse discusses obtaining an order from the prescriber for which medication?

A) Docusate sodium [Colace]
B) GoLYTELY
C) Lactulose
D) Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]

Question 15

A patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse has been admitted to the unit with cirrhosis. Upon review of the patient's laboratory test results,the nurse notes that the patient's ammonia level is elevated at 218 mcg/dL. What medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

A) 0.9% NS
B) Docusate sodium [Colace]
C) Lactulose
D) Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]