Chapter 28: Laxatives

Chapter 28: Laxatives

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A primary care nurse practitioner (NP) sees a patient who is concerned about constipation. The NP learns that the patient has three to four bowel movements per week with occasional hard stools but no straining with defecation. The NP should recommend:

ANS:  A

The objective definition of constipation is two or fewer bowel movements per week or excessive straining. This patient does not meet these criteria, so the NP should recommend increasing fluids and fiber to help soften stools. Laxatives should not be used unless constipation is present or is chronic to avoid laxative dependence.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   341

2. A patient reports having occasional acute constipation with large, hard stools and pain and asks the primary care NP about medication to treat this condition. The NP learns that the patient drinks 1500 mL of water daily; eats fruits, vegetables, and bran; and exercises regularly. The NP should recommend:

ANS:  C

Mild short-term constipation may be treated with a saline laxative or a bulk laxative as needed. Daily laxatives are not recommended. Glycerin suppositories can cause irritation of the rectum with long-term use.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   344

3. A 5-year-old child has chronic constipation. The primary care NP plans to prescribe a laxative for long-term management. In addition to pharmacologic therapy, the NP should also recommend _____ g of fiber per day.

ANS:  A

Each day a child should receive 1 g of fiber per year of age plus 5 g after 2 years of age.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   343

4. A patient who has cerebral palsy is wheelchair dependent and receives enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy tube. The patient has infrequent, hard bowel movements despite using a high-fiber formula and receiving 1500 mL of fluid per day. The NP should order:

ANS:  C

Fluids, fiber, and exercise, which help most people, are not applicable to people who are wheelchair bound. Other individuals with congestive heart failure are unable to tolerate these mechanisms. Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol are used to manage long-term constipation. It is essential for clinicians to know their patients and assess what is reasonable for them to do.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   345