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?

Accepted Answer

Bulk-forming laxatives provide insoluble substances that swell in water to both soften and increase the size of the fecal mass. Patients should be taught to take the dose with a full glass of water. Laxatives in general are not recommended for long-term use. Bulk-forming laxatives are safe for patients with diverticulitis. They are often used to treat diarrhea,because they help form the fecal mass.

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?

Accepted Answer

Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative widely used for chronic constipation,which this child has,because it provides relief from abdominal discomfort,improves stool consistency,and increases frequency. Bisacodyl is not recommended for long-term use. Magnesium citrate causes increased water loss,and methylcellulose can also cause impaction.

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?

Accepted Answer

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and can cause a fecal impaction or obstruction. Abdominal pain can be a sign of impaction or obstruction,so the nurse should assess the patient for this complication. Giving fluids by mouth,administering more laxative,or giving a suppository are all contraindicated if an obstruction has developed and should not be done until this condition is ruled out.

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:

Accepted Answer

The first step in breaking the laxative habit is abrupt cessation of laxative use. Bowel movements will be absent for several days after laxative withdrawal. Using a suppository,a bulk-forming laxative,or tapering the laxative only prolongs the habit and prevents normal function from returning.

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?

Accepted Answer

Laxatives do not cause diverticulitis,although some laxatives can aggravate this condition. Chronic use of laxatives can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and can suppress the normal defecation reflex.

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?

Accepted Answer

Systemic absorption of senna,followed by renal excretion,may impart a harmless yellowish-brown or pink color to the urine. This symptom is not an indication of renal failure,dehydration,or toxicity.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)plus electrolytes (ELS)is one of two bowel cleansers used before colonoscopy to clear the bowel. PEG-ELS products are preferred,because unlike sodium phosphate,they are isotonic and do not increase the likelihood of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Glycerin suppositories and magnesium hydroxide are not used for bowel cleansing.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels in patients with renal dysfunction. The nurse should withhold the medication. Magnesium hydroxide is not contraindicated for patients with hemorrhoids,prostatitis,or cirrhosis.

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:

Accepted Answer

Laxatives are contraindicated for patients with abdominal pain,nausea,cramps,or other symptoms of abdominal disease or an acute surgical abdomen. Laxatives should not be used in patients with obstruction or impaction. This patient shows signs of abdominal obstruction,and laxatives could cause a bowel perforation secondary to increased peristalsis. A bulk-forming laxative is contraindicated. Patients with acute abdomens should be kept NPO pending diagnosis. A cathartic laxative is contraindicated.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Docusate,lactulose,and glycerin suppositories have been used to treat constipation safely in infants. Castor oil and milk of magnesia are not.

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?

Accepted Answer

Constipation cannot necessarily be defined by the frequency of bowel movements,because this varies from one individual to another. Constipation is defined in terms of a variety of symptoms,including hard stools,infrequent stools,excessive straining,prolonged effort,and unsuccessful or incomplete defecation. A common cause of constipation is diet,especially fluid and fiber intake; therefore,when changes in stool patterns occur,patients should be questioned about food and fluid intake. Because this patient has only more infrequent stools and is not truly constipated,laxatives are not indicated.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Castor oil has an unpleasant taste that can be improved by chilling it and mixing it with fruit juice. The medication acts quickly and should not be given at bedtime. It is only used when prompt evacuation of intestinal contents is needed,as for radiological procedures,so the patient will not be instructed in home use of the medication and should be taught that the effects will be immediate.

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?

Accepted Answer

PEG-ELS solutions provide an isosmotic solution and do not cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. They are safe to use in patients with renal impairment or cardiovascular disease. This patient's laboratory values suggest renal impairment. Sodium phosphate products can cause kidney damage; giving them with less fluid only increases this possibility. Reducing the dietary intake of sodium is not recommended. Suppositories are not effective bowel cleansing agents.

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?

Accepted Answer

Oxycodone can be constipating. The patient needs something prophylactically,such as docusate sodium,that can be taken daily to prevent constipation. In addition,the patient's mobility is limited,which can further increase the risk of constipation. GoLYTELY is not indicated for constipation; it is used for cleansing the bowel before diagnostic procedures. Lactulose is not indicated; it typically is used for reducing ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Polyethylene glycol is indicated for occasional constipation; no information suggests that the patient is constipated.

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?

Accepted Answer

Lactulose is the only laxative known to lower ammonia levels in patients with portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy secondary to liver disease. No information suggests that the patient needs fluid or electrolyte replacement. Docusate sodium and polyethylene glycol are not effective at lowering ammonia levels.

Quiz 79: Laxatives