Chapter 78: Laxatives

Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 7th Edition by Richard A. Lehne

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Chapter 78: Laxatives

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

 

  1. A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The nurse anticipates that the patient should receive
a. a stimulant laxative, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax).
b. increased fiber and water to promote defecation.
c. an osmotic laxative, such as magnesium citrate (Citro-mag).
d. nothing; further assessment should be performed, given the patient’s symptoms.

 

 

ANS:   D

In patients experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, cramps, and other associated symptoms, further assessment is required. These complaints could be associated with appendicitis, regional enteritis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or an acute surgical condition of the abdomen. Further and more conclusive information is needed.

No information suggests that the patient is constipated and needs a laxative.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 930

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

  1. The nurse has admitted a patient to the unit who has been experiencing bowel problems. The patient is to receive a bowel preparation for a radiologic procedure. The nurse would anticipate administration of which of the following medications?
a. Psyllium (Metamucil)
b. Docusate sodium (Colace)
c. Castor oil
d. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

 

 

ANS:   C

Castor oil is the only laxative listed that is indicated for bowel preparation for radiologic procedures.

Psyllium, docusate sodium, and bisacodyl are not indicated for bowel preparation for radiologic procedures.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 933

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

  1. What information would be most important for the nurse to provide to a patient requesting a prn dose of magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)?
a. “You will need to increase your fluid intake.”
b. “Avoid drinking milk for an hour after the magnesium hydroxide.”
c. “I’ll need to get a prescriber’s order for mineral oil to avoid irritation.”
d. “You can expect immediate results.”

 

 

ANS:   A

The nurse should instruct the patient to increase the fluid intake, because osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide, can cause a substantial loss of water.

Magnesium hydroxide does not interact with milk.

There is no basis for administering mineral oil with magnesium hydroxide.

Low doses produce results within 6 to 12 hours, and high doses produce results in 2 to 6 hours.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 933

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

  1. The nurse is providing education for a patient taking bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets daily. Which statement by the patient best demonstrates the need for further teaching?
a. “I should swallow the pill intact.”
b. “I should take the pills with milk or dairy products.”
c. “The pill will be effective within 6 to 12 hours.”
d. “Most people take the pill at bedtime, with good results in the morning.”

 

 

ANS:   B

Milk and antacids accelerate dissolution of the enteric coating on the bisacodyl tablets; this statement indicates a need for further teaching.

Because bisacodyl tablets are enteric coated, they should be swallowed without being chewed or crushed; no further teaching is needed.

Because the action time is 6 to 12 hours, taking the medication at bedtime produces a response the following morning; no further teaching is needed.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 932

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies            

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