Chapter 35: Drugs Used to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea

Chapter 35: Drugs Used to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. When the nurse assesses bowel habits in a patient, which is the best example of normal bowel elimination?

A.	Daily bowel movements
B.	Multiple soft stools daily
C.	Daily liquid stools
D.	Regular bowel elimination pattern of soft stool

 

 

ANS:   D

 

	Feedback
A	Although this may be routine for some people, it is not normal for everyone.
B	Although this may be routine for some people, it is not normal for everyone.
C	Liquid stools are not considered normal.
D	Normal bowel habits are stools that are soft and occur on a regular schedule of elimination for that particular patient.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    556

TOP:    Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

 

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?

A.	Saline laxative
B.	Lubricant laxative
C.	Stimulant laxative
D.	Mineral oil

 

 

ANS:   B

 

	Feedback
A	Saline laxatives are not safe for a pregnant woman because of the bowel distention and possible electrolyte imbalance they may cause.
B	Lubricant and bulk-forming laxatives may be used in the pregnant patient because little cramping accompanies their use.
C	Stimulant laxatives are too harsh for a pregnant woman because they may cause cramping.
D	Mineral oil is not a good laxative to use on a regular basis because it can cause malabsorption of vitamins.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    560

TOP:    Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

 

3. The nurse is performing a premedication assessment. For which patient would laxative use be contraindicated?

A.	Patient with quadriplegia
B.	Patient with appendicitis
C.	Geriatric patient
D.	Patient with fractured femur

 

 

ANS:   B

 

	Feedback
A	Quadriplegic patients may generally take laxatives and stool softeners on a regular basis.
B	Patients who have a history of an inflammation of the GI tract, including gastritis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and appendicitis, should not take laxatives and should be referred to a health care provider.
C	Geriatric patients may generally take laxatives and stool softeners on a regular basis.
D	Fracture patients may generally take laxatives and stool softeners on a regular basis.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    560

TOP:    Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

 

4. 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?

A.	Emollient
B.	Stimulant
C.	Fecal softener
D.	Bulk-forming

 

 

ANS:   D

 

	Feedback
A	Emollient laxatives reduce muscle tone and decrease peristalsis over time.
B	Stimulant laxatives can cause cramping and should not be used on a regular basis.
C	Fecal softeners are not laxatives.
D	Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the safest laxative for routine use. Bulk-forming laxatives cause water to be retained within the stool, which increases bulk, and stimulates peristalsis.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    560

TOP:    Nursing Process Step: Evaluation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance