The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with diarrhea for the past 3 days. Stool cultures are negative, and the physician orders Lomotil, two tablets orally now and one tablet after each loose stool OR every 3-4 hr as needed. Which of the following parameters would the nurse expect to accompany the order?
A) "Do not exceed 8 tablets per day."
B) "Do not exceed 4 doses per day."
C) "Do not give for more than 2 days."
D) No parameters are necessary.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lomotil is an antidiarrheal medication that contains the opioid agonist diphenoxylate and the anticholinergic atropine. Therefore, it has the potential for abuse and addiction. To prevent this, the nurse should expect the parameter "Do not exceed 8 tablets per day" to accompany the order to limit the amount of medication the patient can receive. Option B is incorrect because the physician's order does not specify a maximum number of doses per day. Option C is incorrect because Lomotil can be given for longer than 2 days if needed, as long as it is closely monitored. Option D is incorrect because parameters are necessary for this type of medication.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Admitted with Diarrhea