Deck 60: Pharmacotherapy of Bowel Disorders and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Which drugs would most likely be used to treat this disorder?

A)Antispasmodics
B)Saline cathartics
C)Sulfasalazine
D)Immunosuppressive agents

Answer 1

Antispasmodics

Question 2

A client with severe diarrhea asks the nurse why so much water is being expelled with each bowel movement.The nurse explains that:

A)the intestines are not reabsorbing sufficient fluid.
B)the client needs to take a laxative at this time.
C)the intestines are reabsorbing too much fluid.
D)peristalsis is too slow.

Answer 2

the intestines are not reabsorbing sufficient fluid.

Question 3

The most common reason for prescribing antiemetic drugs is:

A)psychosis.
B)morning sickness.
C)therapy with antineoplastic drugs.
D)hyperemesis gravidarum.

Answer 3

therapy with antineoplastic drugs.

Question 4

Which statement is true regarding the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting?

A)An antiemetic drug is indicated if the client has ingested a poisonous substance or taken an overdose of an oral medication.
B)Antihistamines and anticholinergic drugs may be used to treat nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness.
C)Medications for nausea and vomiting are available only by prescription.
D)Antiemetic drugs can be used throughout pregnancy.

Question 5

A client who is experiencing explosive diarrhea asks the nurse what causes the condition.The nurse responds that diarrhea can be a defense mechanism that removes: Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)toxins.
B)pathogens.
C)excess stool.
D)excess water.
E)excess nutrients.

Question 6

The nurse demonstrates knowledge of the different mechanisms of action of laxatives by stating:

A)"My client should be encouraged to use a stimulant laxative whenever he feels the need to have a bowel movement."
B)"My client should consume plenty of water,since he is taking a bulk-forming laxative."
C)"My client should not strain when having a bowel movement,so the health care provider likely will prescribe a bulk-forming laxative."
D)"My client should expect to have a delayed reaction to a saline cathartic."

Question 7

Which type of laxative,as its mechanism of action,pulls water into the fecal mass to create a more watery stool?

A)Bulk-forming laxatives
B)Saline cathartics
C)Surfactant laxatives
D)Stimulant laxatives

Question 8

A client has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).The nurse anticipates that the health care provider may prescribe a drug in which category to treat this disorder?

A)Symptom-targeted therapy,antidepressants,and antianxiety drugs
B)5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)agents,immunosuppressive agents,and biologic therapies
C)Antispasmodics,serotonin agents,and biologic therapies
D)5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)agents,symptom-targeted therapy,and antianxiety agents

Question 9

A client is being treated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).The nurse anticipates receiving orders for which medications? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Loperamide (Imodium)
B)Doxepin (Sinequan)
C)Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
D)Prednisone
E)Azathioprine (Imuran)

Question 10

A client complains of passing hard,pellet-like stools for several weeks and asks the nurse what would cause the condition.The nurse explains that constipation has various possible causes,including: Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)pathogens.
B)toxins.
C)decreased dietary fiber.
D)inadequate fluid intake.
E)sedentary lifestyle.

Question 11

A client is being seen in a GI clinic.Which statement by the client suggests a diagnosis of constipation?

A)"I have only had one bowel movement every other day for the past week."
B)"I have been having trouble with pain,bloating,and gas.My last bowel movement was 4 days ago."
C)"I haven't had a bowel movement today,but I had one yesterday."
D)"I feel like I am constipated.Please give me a laxative."

Question 12

A client is being treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.What would the nurse recognize as a contraindication to this therapy?

A)Allergy to pork
B)Cystic fibrosis
C)Steatorrhea (bulky,foul-smelling,fatty stools)
D)Chronic pancreatitis

Question 13

The nurse demonstrates an understanding of the different mechanisms of action of laxatives by stating:

A)"Bulk-forming laxatives are also called osmotic laxatives."
B)"Surfactant laxatives cause water and fat to be absorbed into the stools."
C)"Mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of water-soluble vitamins."
D)"Stimulant laxatives must be taken with plenty of water."

Question 14

Several hospitalized clients have an order for a laxative as needed for constipation.To which client would the nurse expect to administer a laxative?

A)A client who had a bowel movement yesterday and one the day before but not yet today
B)A client who has not had a bowel movement in 4 days
C)A client who did not have a bowel movement today,but had one yesterday
D)A client who has daily bowel movements that are formed

Question 15

The nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit.Which clients would the nurse assess as predisposed to constipation? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)A client who is 85 years old
B)A client with a bacterial infection
C)A client with a history of malabsorption
D)A client with a sedentary lifestyle
E)A client with decreased food intake

Question 16

Several clients are being seen in the emergency department for nausea and vomiting.Which clients are at an increased risk for dehydration and would require pharmacotherapy to treat this condition? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)A 1-week-old neonate
B)A 2-year-old toddler
C)A 36-year-old female
D)A 22-year-old male
E)An 80-year-old female

Question 17

The client has been diagnosed as having hyperemesis gravidarum.When would the nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe antiemetics?

A)After the pregnancy is terminated
B)After determining that other antinausea methods have been ineffective
C)If the client is troubled by the symptoms
D)Upon diagnosis

Question 18

Which statements about bulk-forming laxative drugs are accurate? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)They work immediately after one dose.
B)They are contraindicated when the client has undiagnosed abdominal pain,suspected intestinal obstruction,or fecal impaction.
C)They must be taken with plenty of water,or they can cause an esophageal obstruction.
D)The prototype of bulk-forming laxatives is milk of magnesia.
E)Bulk-forming laxative powder should never be taken dry.

Question 19

The definition of chronic constipation commonly used by health care providers may include which symptom?

A)Fewer than one bowel movement every 3 days
B)Lumpy,hard stools at least 25% of the time
C)Decrease in the frequency of bowel movements
D)Two bowel movements or fewer per week

Question 20

Which statement correctly explains to a client the origin of the client's constipation?

A)"If you would use the laxatives daily,you would not have a problem with constipation."
B)"If the waste material passes through the colon too quickly,excess fluids are not absorbed,and the result is a watery stool."
C)"Ordinarily,fluid is absorbed in your large intestine as waste travels through.If the stool stays in the large intestine too long,too much water is reabsorbed,causing the stool to be small,hard,and difficult to pass without straining."
D)"Constipation is usually caused by infection."

Question 21

A client is being treated with sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Which information is important for the nurse to provide to the client and family? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)It is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure,because the skin might be sensitive.
B)The drug should not be taken for longer than 12 weeks unless recommended by the health care provider.
C)Fluid intake should be 2-3 liters per day to avoid crystal formation in the urine.
D)The medication can color urine and skin orange-yellow.
E)The medication can affect female fertility.

Question 22

When implementing nursing care,what should the nurse instruct the client and family about laxative use?

A)A side effect of stool softeners is abdominal cramping.
B)Dependence on laxatives can cause constipation.
C)Stool softeners are appropriately used to treat constipation.
D)Laxatives are never harmful because they are available over the counter and should be used anytime the client feels the need to have a bowel movement.

Question 23

A primary indication for the use of an antiemetic medication is:

A)morning sickness in pregnancy.
B)diarrhea accompanied by severe abdominal cramping.
C)constipation.
D)nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Question 24

The nurse anticipates that a client admitted with acute pancreatitis will be treated with which medications? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
B)Cimetidine (Tagamet)
C)Acetazolamide (Diamox)
D)Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
E)Pancrelipase (Creon)

Question 25

The nurse is instructing a client who has been prescribed bulk-forming laxatives.Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the use of laxatives?

A)"They work to increase the frequency and quality of bowel movements."
B)"They are indicated for the relief of bowel obstruction."
C)"I should use them when I have diarrhea caused by an infection."
D)"I can use them liberally whenever I don't have regular bowel movements."

Question 26

Which statement is true regarding the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement in the pharmacotherapy of pancreatitis?

A)Its use is contraindicated when the client has cystic fibrosis.
B)Its use is indicated when lack of pancreatic enzyme secretion causes malabsorption disorders.
C)Its use is contraindicated when the client has pain in the abdomen.
D)Its use is indicated when the client has acute pancreatitis.

Question 27

The nurse receives an order to administer prochlorperazine (Compazine)to a client with nausea.The nurse can administer the medication by which routes? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.Standard Text: Select all that apply.

A)By mouth
B)Per rectum
C)Intramuscularly (IM)
D)Subcutaneously (SQ)
E)Intravenously

Question 28

Which client would be treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement?

A)A pregnant client
B)A client with hyperuricemia
C)A client who is constipated
D)A client with chronic pancreatitis

Question 29

Immediately after administering a bulk-forming laxative,the nurse should assess:

A)if the client is taking other medications.
B)if the client is allergic to any medications.
C)the time of the client's last bowel movement.
D)whether the client has retrosternal pain.