Chapter 51: Bowel Disorder Drugs

Chapter 51: Bowel Disorder Drugs

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is giving oral mineral oil as an ordered laxative dose. The nurse will take measures to prevent which potential problem that may occur with mineral oil?

a.	Fecal impaction
b.	Electrolyte imbalances
c.	Lipid pneumonia
d.	Esophageal blockage

 

 

ANS:  C

Lipid pneumonia may occur if the oral mineral oil is accidentally aspirated into the respiratory tract. The other options are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 820

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. When administering a bulk-forming laxative, the nurse instructs the patient to drink the medication mixed in a full 8-ounce glass of water. Which statement best explains the rationale for this instruction?

a.	The water acts to stimulate bowel movements.
b.	The water will help to reduce the bulk of the intestinal contents.
c.	These laxatives may cause esophageal obstruction if taken with insufficient water.
d.	The water acts as a lubricant to produce bowel movements.

 

 

ANS:  C

Bulk-forming drugs increase water absorption, which results in greater total volume (bulk) of the intestinal contents. Bulk-forming laxatives tend to produce normal, formed stools. Their action is limited to the gastrointestinal tract, so there are few, if any, systemic effects. However, they need to be taken with liberal amounts of water to prevent esophageal obstruction and fecal impaction.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 820

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

3. A patient will be taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to control diarrhea. When reviewing the patient’s other ordered medications, the nurse recognizes that which medication or medication class will interact significantly with the Pepto-Bismol?

a.	Hypoglycemic drugs
b.	Antibiotics
c.	Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
d.	Antidepressants

 

 

ANS:  A

Taking hypoglycemic drugs with an adsorbent such as bismuth subsalicylate may result in decreased absorption of the hypoglycemic drugs. The other options are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 816

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

4. A patient is about to undergo a diagnostic bowel procedure. The nurse expects which drug to be used to induce total cleansing of the bowel?

a.	Docusate sodium (Colace)
b.	Lactulose (Enulose)
c.	Mineral oil
d.	Polyethylene glycol 3350 (GoLYTELY)

 

 

ANS:  D

Polyethylene glycol is a very potent laxative that induces total cleansing of the bowel and is most commonly used before diagnostic or surgical bowel procedures. The other options are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 822

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

5. While recovering from surgery, a 74-year-old woman started taking a stimulant laxative, senna (Senokot), to relieve constipation caused by the pain medications. Two weeks later, at her follow-up appointment, she tells the nurse that she likes how “regular” her bowel movements are now that she is taking the laxative. Which teaching principle is appropriate for this patient?

a.	She needs to be sure to take this medication with plenty of fluids.
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 needs to switch to glycerin suppositories to continue having daily bowel movements.

 

 

ANS:  C

Long-term use of laxatives may lead to dependency. Patients need to be taught that daily bowel movements are not necessary for bowel health.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 819

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance