Question 1

Which treatments are considered safe for an infant? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Saline laxatives&#10;B) Bulk-forming laxative&#10;C) Malt soup extract&#10;D) Stimulant laxatives

Accepted Answer

Bulk-forming laxatives and malt soup extract are generally considered safe for infants as they are mild and work by increasing the water content in the stool, making it easier to pass. Saline and stimulant laxatives can be too harsh for infants.

Question 2

Which drug would be most effective for an obstetric patient who is complaining of constipation secondary to her enlarging uterus and use of prenatal vitamins?&#10;A) Saline laxative&#10;B) Lubricant laxative&#10;C) Stimulant laxative&#10;D) Mineral oil

Accepted Answer

A lubricant laxative, such as mineral oil or glycerin, would be the most effective choice for an obstetric patient with constipation caused by prenatal vitamins and an enlarging uterus, as it softens the stool and makes it easier to pass without the need for straining. Saline and stimulant laxatives can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful to both the mother and fetus, and are not recommended for pregnant women. Mineral oil can be absorbed systemically and may interfere with nutrient absorption, so it is also not the best choice for an obstetric patient.

Question 3

Which signs and symptoms are consistent with dehydration? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit&#10;B) Decreased urine specific gravity&#10;C) Mental confusion and excessive thirst&#10;D) Periorbital edema and increased blood pressure&#10;E) Nonelastic skin turgor and delayed capillary filling

Accepted Answer

Blood work of dehydrated patients will show falsely elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels as a result of decreased capillary fluid.Dehydrated patients may become confused as a result of electrolyte imbalances and often complain of thirst.Older patients may not complain of thirst as a result of perceptual changes.Dehydration is evident by nonelastic skin turgor and delayed capillary filling.

Question 4

An older adult is admitted through the emergency department with complaints of nausea, abdominal tenderness, and continual stooling. On assessment, the nurse notes abdominal distention, smearing of stool on undergarments, and hypoactive bowel sounds LUQ and LLQ. The patient is unable to determine when the last bowel movement was. What is the nurse's priority assessment?

A) Signs and symptoms of an infection
B) An impaction
C) A pattern of laxative abuse
D) History of gastrointestinal disease

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as continual stooling, abdominal distention, and inability to recall the last bowel movement, suggest a possible fecal impaction, which is a priority to assess and address.

Question 5

The nurse is assessing a patient with constipation. Which are causes of constipation? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Diet low in fiber and/or residue&#10;B) Excessive fluid intake&#10;C) Diet low in cheese and yogurt&#10;D) Iron supplements&#10;E) Use of morphine

Accepted Answer

Constipation can be caused by a diet low in fiber and residue, iron supplements, and the use of certain medications such as morphine. Excessive fluid intake and a diet low in cheese and yogurt are not typically causes of constipation.

Question 6

Which is the laxative of choice for an older patient who is in the end stage of Alzheimer's disease and requires a daily laxative?&#10;A) Emollient&#10;B) Stimulant&#10;C) Fecal softener&#10;D) Bulk-forming

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is the laxative of choice for...

Question 7

When the nurse assesses bowel habits in a patient, which is the best example of normal bowel elimination?&#10;A) Daily bowel movements&#10;B) Multiple soft stools daily&#10;C) Daily liquid stools&#10;D) Regular bowel elimination pattern of soft stool

Accepted Answer

A regular bowel elimination pattern of soft stool is the best example of normal bowel elimination. While every individual's bowel habits may vary, a regular pattern ensures consistency and adequate elimination of waste. Soft stools are easier to pass and indicate that the individual is well-hydrated and consuming enough fiber in their diet. Daily bowel movements may be normal for some individuals but not for others. Multiple soft stools daily or daily liquid stools may indicate diarrhea, which could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Question 8

Which symptom is the patient with a lactase deficiency most likely to exhibit?&#10;A) Constipation&#10;B) Excessive salivation&#10;C) Diarrhea&#10;D) Vomiting

Accepted Answer

Lactase deficiency leads to the inability to properly digest lactose, the predominant sugar in milk and dairy products, in the small intestine. Undigested lactose then passes into the large intestine where bacteria ferment it, leading to symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Therefore, choice C (diarrhea) is the most likely symptom for a patient with lactase deficiency.

Question 9

What is the mechanism of action of a stimulant laxative?&#10;A) Draws water into the bowel to facilitate the passage of feces&#10;B) Lubricates the intestinal wall and soften stool&#10;C) Increases bulk and stimulate peristalsis&#10;D) Irritates the intestine directly, promoting peristalsis and evacuation

Accepted Answer

Stimulant laxatives work by irritating the bowel directly, which promotes peristalsis and evacuation. This irritation can also increase the secretion of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel, further promoting bowel movement. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl and senna.

Question 10

The nurse is performing a premedication assessment. For which patient would laxative use be contraindicated?&#10;A) Patient with quadriplegia&#10;B) Patient with appendicitis&#10;C) Geriatric patient&#10;D) Patient with fractured femur

Accepted Answer

Laxative use is contraindicated in a patient with appendicitis as it can cause the inflamed appendix to rupture.

Question 11

Which instruction will the nurse include in the discharge teaching of a patient taking psyllium?&#10;A) &#34;Administer with a full glass of water.&#34;&#10;B) &#34;Limit the intake of high-fiber foods.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;Avoid mixing in juice.&#34;&#10;D) &#34;Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency is common.&#34;

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Which instruction by the nurse will assist in the patient's understanding of lactulose, an osmotic laxative?&#10;A) &#34;This medication draws water into the intestine and stimulates defecation.&#34;&#10;B) &#34;There is increased irritability directly on the intestinal wall.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;There is lubrication of the intestinal wall that softens the stool.&#34;&#10;D) &#34;There is an effect on the nerves to increase the peristalsis of the intestinal smooth muscle.&#34;

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

A patient is receiving morphine for pain control. What will the nurse emphasize about preventing constipation?&#10;A) Adequate hydration consists of four full glasses of water every day.&#10;B) Laxatives should be given on a daily basis.&#10;C) Stool softeners are taken on a regular basis during opioid use.&#10;D) Enemas should be given on a weekly basis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is receiving morphine for pain...

Question 14

A friend reports using loperamide (Imodium) for continual diarrhea for a week since returning home from a vacation outside the country. Which is the nurse's best response?&#10;A) &#34;There are some other over-the-counter products available for diarrhea, such as Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate).&#34;&#10;B) &#34;I'd stop taking the Imodium and go in to see a health care provider immediately. You may have an infection in your intestinal tract.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;If you're not running a temperature, I wouldn't worry. That happens to many people when they travel.&#34;&#10;D) &#34;As long as you can drink plenty of fluids, I'm sure the diarrhea will go away once you're back in a normal routine.&#34;

Accepted Answer

The answer of A friend reports using loperamide (Imodium) for...

Question 15

Which effect will the nurse expect when a patient is taking psyllium while on digoxin?&#10;A) Decreased effectiveness of the laxative&#10;B) Increased laxative effect&#10;C) Increased absorption of the digoxin&#10;D) Decreased absorption of the digoxin

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which effect will the nurse expect when...

Question 16

A patient who has had a myocardial infarction is advised to avoid straining with defecation. Which medication would be prescribed to this patient?&#10;A) Stool softeners&#10;B) Bulk-forming laxatives&#10;C) Stimulants&#10;D) Emollients

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who has had a myocardial...

Deck 35: Drugs Used to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea