Deck 40: Antidiarrheal Drugs and Laxatives

Question 1

Which drug is commonly used to induce total cleansing of the bowel before diagnostic or surgical bowel procedures?

A)polyethylene glycol
B)lactulose
C)mineral oil
D)milk of magnesia

Answer 1

polyethylene glycol

Question 2

The nurse advises a patient to try bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)to control diarrhea.Which medication will interact significantly with the Pepto-Bismol?

A)digoxin
B)Antacids
C)acetaminophen (Tylenol)
D)tricyclic antidepressants

Answer 2

digoxin

Question 3

While recovering from surgery,a 74-year-old woman started taking senna (Senokot)to relieve constipation caused by the pain medications.She is also taking digoxin and tetracycline.She tells the nurse that she likes how "regular" her bowel movements are now that she is taking the laxative.What important information should the nurse give to this patient?

A)Use of a stimulant laxative will not affect the absorption of her other medications.
B)It is important to have a daily bowel movement to promote bowel health.
C)Long-term use of laxatives often results in decreased bowel tone and may lead to dependency.
D)She should switch to glycerin suppositories to continue having daily bowel movements.

Answer 3

Long-term use of laxatives often results in decreased bowel tone and may lead to dependency.

Question 4

A patient who has been on antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks has developed persistent diarrhea.Which drug will likely be recommended for this patient?

A)Mineral oil
B)An adsorbent
C)An anticholinergic
D)An intestinal flora modifier

Question 5

Mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of which vitamin?

A)Vitamin A
B)Vitamin B2
C)Vitamin B12
D)Vitamin C

Question 6

Which type of antidiarrheal medication works by decreasing the intestinal muscle tone and peristalsis of the intestines?

A)Adsorbents
B)Anticholinergics
C)Intestinal flora modifiers
D)Lubricants

Question 7

A patient is on laxative therapy.What important information about this therapy should the nurse provide the patient?

A)All laxative tablets should be crushed for improved action.
B)Bisacodyl should be given with water only.
C)A normal bowel pattern is when a bowel movement occurs daily.
D)Psyllium (Metamucil preparations) can be mixed in food, such as applesauce, or stirred into fruit juice.

Question 8

When preparing the bulk-forming laxative methylcellulose for administration,the nurse will mix the medication with how much water to avoid possible obstruction?

A)100 mL
B)12 mL
C)240 mL
D)360 mL

Question 9

What type of laxative is glycerin?

A)A saline laxative
B)An emollient laxative
C)A hyperosmotic laxative
D)A stimulant/irritant laxative

Question 10

Regarding the uses for laxatives,which conditions are general contraindications to the use of oral laxatives? (Select all that apply.)

A)High ammonia levels due to liver failure
B)The presence of parasites and intestinal worms
C)Abdominal pain of unknown origin
D)Nausea and vomiting
E)Pregnancy
F)Ingestion of toxic substances
G)Acute surgical abdomen

Question 11

A patient is taking an adsorbent,such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).What possible adverse effects should the nurse warn this patient about?

A)Darkened stools
B)Urinary hesitancy
C)Drowsiness
D)Blurred vision

Question 12

Which type of laxatives is most likely to cause dependence if overused?

A)Emollient laxatives
B)Bulk-forming laxatives
C)Hyperosmotic laxatives
D)Stimulant laxatives

Question 13

What is a major difference between diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil)and loperamide (Imodium)?

A)Lomotil acts faster.
B)Loperamide does not cause dependence.
C)Lomotil is available as a parenteral form.
D)Loperamide is a natural antidiarrheal drug.