A postpartum patient is prescribed docusate sodium (Colace) as treatment for constipation. What should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Docusate sodium (Colace) is used in the postpartal period to prevent constipation. It works by lowering the surface tension of feces, allowing water and lipids to penetrate the stool and soften it. The nurse should instruct the patient to engage in activity to promote intestinal motility, consume a diet high in fiber, and take each dose of the medication with a full glass of water or juice. This medication has abdominal pain and diarrhea as potential adverse effects. This medication is not taken after every meal but rather one dose per day.

A Postpartum Patient Is Prescribed Docusate Sodium (Colace) as Treatment