Deck 42: Drugs for Bowel Disorders and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions

Question 1

Which describes the primary role of the large intestine?

A) Excrete fecal matter
B) Absorb nutrients
C) Excrete enzymes
D) Control peristalsis

Answer 1

Excrete fecal matter

Question 2

Which is the best statement the nurse should use when discussing the primary reason constipation occurs with a client?

A) "Too much water has been reabsorbed in the large intestine."
B) "The waste material remains in the colon for too long."
C) "The motility of the intestines are too slow."
D) "The dietary intake is not high in fiber."

Answer 2

"The waste material remains in the colon for too long."

Question 3

Which statement made by a client indicates an understanding of the function of the large intestine?

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."

Answer 3

"The large intestine absorbs water and eliminates stool."

Question 4

Which should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for a bowel preparation prior to a colonoscopy?

A) Docusate sodium (Colace)
B) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
C) Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
D) Sodium biphosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda)

Question 5

A client taking diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) for diarrhea asks the nurse why they do not experience pain relief from their arthritis. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

A) "Diphenoxylate with atropine is not an opioid."
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) "Diphenoxylate with atropine does not have analgesic properties."

Question 6

Which is the most important question the nurse should ask a client with ulcerative colitis prior to administering sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)?

A) "Do you have any medication allergies?"
B) "Are you experiencing any pain?"
C) "What other prescriptions have you take for ulcerative colitis?"
D) "Are you currently experiencing any diarrhea?"

Question 7

Which describes the mechanism of action of diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil)?

A) Promotion of stool passage
B) Blockage of dopamine receptors
C) Increase in stool formation
D) Decrease peristalsis

Question 8

Which describes the primary action of stool softeners?

A) Break up fecal material in the colon
B) Decrease gastrointestinal peristalsis
C) Increase water absorption in the stool
D) Increase gastrointestinal peristalsis

Question 9

A client with Clostridium difficile tells the nurse they have begun taking an over-the-counter prescription to stop their diarrhea. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

A) "If you continue to have diarrhea contact the clinic."
B) "Follow the dosing on the packaging."
C) "An antidiarrheal can worsen your infection."
D) "You may experience rebound constipation."

Question 10

Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse be concerned about for the client that has been vomiting for several days?

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

Question 11

Which should the nurse monitor the client for after initiating pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy?

A) Headache
B) Dry mouth
C) Nausea and vomiting
D) Sedation

Question 12

The nurse has completed the education for a client prescribed psyllium mucilloid (Metamucil). Which statement made by the client indicates further teaching is required?

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

Question 13

Which best describes the pathogenesis of diarrhea?

A) It is infrequent uncontrolled passage of stool.
B) It occurs when the large intestine reabsorbs too little water.
C) It is an increase in the amount of bowel movements.
D) It is an increase in frequency and fluidity of bowel movements.

Question 14

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 during periods of travel

Question 15

Which should the nurse include in the plan of care for the client experiencing frequent constipation? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Increase dietary protein.
B) Increase the fluid intake.
C) Increase dairy products.
D) Increase dietary fiber.
E) Increase daily physical exercise.

Question 16

A client asks the nurse how probiotics can be beneficial in the treatment of their irritable bowel syndrome. Which response should the nurse provide?

A) Probiotics attack infective bacteria in the intestine.
B) Probiotics restore the normal intestinal bacteria.
C) Probiotics decrease the bowel frequency.
D) Probiotics decrease the intestinal water absorption.

Question 17

Which is the anticipated treatment outcome for a client that has developed nausea and vomiting?

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

Question 18

Which information should the nurse include in the education for a female client prescribed sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)?

A) "A headache is a common adverse effect."
B) "You can divide the daily dose throughout the day to decrease the adverse effects."
C) "You may experience infertility only during the prescribed treatment."
D) "You can crush your tablets and mix it in juice."
E) "If you are outdoors be sure you use a strong sunscreen."

Question 19

Which current medication should the nurse be concerned about for a client newly prescribed ondansetron (Zofran)?

A) Warfarin (coumadin)
B) Haloperidol (Haldol)
C) Metformin (Glucophage)
D) Atenolol (Tenormin)

Question 20

A client with pancreatitis asks the nurse why they are receiving pancrelipase (Pancreaze). Which information should the nurse provide as the primary reason the client is receiving the prescription?

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

Question 21

Which should the nurse recognize is the function of the duodenum?

A) Secretes hydrochloric acid
B) Receives chyme from the stomach
C) Performs most of the digestion and chemical absorption
D) Reabsorbs water and vitamins

Question 22

A client tells the nurse they have been taking Imodium (loperamide) for diarrhea, but it has not helped. Which response should the nurse provide the client?

A) "Are you taking it after every episode of diarrhea?"
B) "Imodium is not very effective against diarrhea."
C) "How much Imodium are you taking daily?"
D) "You may have to take the maximum dose for 2 or 3 days before diarrhea slows."

Question 23

A client asks the nurse what the difference is between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Which information should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Ulcerative colitis can appear anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
B) Crohn's disease will reoccur after surgery.
C) Crohn's disease is more common in smokers.
D) Client's with Crohn's disease are more likely to have arthritis.
E) Inflammation of ulcerative colitis is limited to the lining of the digestive tract.

Question 24

A client asks the nurse what has caused their irritable bowel syndrome. Which information should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?

A) Imbalance of the normal flora
B) Autoimmune response
C) Hyperactive immune response
D) Psychosomatic

Question 25

For which condition is the use of a bulk-type laxative contraindicated in? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) Coronary heart disease
B) Prescribed antibiotic
C) Type 2 diabetes
D) Fecal impaction
E) Pregnancy

Question 26

A client tells the nurse they would like to control their nausea with natural products such as herbal options instead of prescriptions. Which information should the nurse provide the client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A) "Peppermint may be effective."
B) "Melatonin may be helpful in controlling nausea."
C) "Vitamin E oil is sometimes effective for nausea."
D) "Chamomile tea is effective in controlling nausea."
E) "Ginger can be effective for controlling nausea."

Question 27

Which information should the nurse include in the education for a client prescribed scopolamine for motion sickness?

A) Take an initial dose of the prescription 1 day prior to travel.
B) Limit periods of movement after you take your prescription.
C) Take your prescription 20 to 60 minutes prior to travel.
D) Take your prescription in the evening or at bedtime.

Question 28

Which describes the effect of saline cathartics?

A) Promote peristalsis by irritating the gastric mucosa
B) Absorb water and increase the size of the fecal mass
C) Pull water into the fecal mass creating a waterier stool
D) Cause more water and fat to be absorbed into the stools

Question 29

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching for a client prescribed a stool softener for constipation?

A) "Continue to take this prescription until your stool is very loose and diarrhea-like."
B) "If your discomfort gets worse, return to the clinic."
C) "This medication should work within 12 hours."
D) "If you do not have a bowel movement by tomorrow, return to the clinic."

Question 30

Which should the nurse be prepared to administer to a client who has overdosed on diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil)?

A) Beta blocker
B) Naloxone
C) Large volume of normal saline
D) Activated charcoal