A patient is severely constipated and needs immediate relief. The nurse knows that which class of laxative will provide the most rapid results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Saline laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide (MOM) produce a watery stool, usually within 3 to 6 hours of ingestion. Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium do not produce a bowel movement rapidly. Stool softeners such as docusate salts do not cause patients to defecate; they simply soften the stool to ease its passage. Magnesium oxide tablets are used as magnesium supplements, not as laxatives.

A Patient Is Severely Constipated and Needs Immediate Relief