Drugs Affecting GI Motility

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Questions and Answers

A patient with a history of heart block is prescribed senna for constipation. What is the primary concern associated with this medication in this patient?

  • Risk of overstimulation of the vagus nerve. (correct)
  • Development of dependence on the medication.
  • Increased risk of acute abdominal disorder.
  • Potential for severe perianal irritation.

Why is it important for a patient taking chemical stimulants like senna to increase their fluid intake?

  • To prevent further constipation. (correct)
  • To enhance the drug's absorption rate.
  • To facilitate electrolyte balance.
  • To prevent perianal irritation.

Magnesium citrate is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction because it can lead to:

  • Severe hypoglycemia.
  • Increased fluid absorption in the intestines.
  • Bowel rupture. (correct)
  • Increased risk of fecal impaction.

A patient taking beta-blockers is prescribed magnesium citrate for occasional constipation. What potential drug interaction should the nurse monitor for?

<p>Hypoglycemia (C)</p>
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Why is loperamide (Imodium) contraindicated in patients with diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile (C. diff)?

<p>It slows the elimination of the bacteria. (B)</p>
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A patient with an ileostomy is prescribed loperamide. What is the primary reason for using this medication in this patient population?

<p>To decrease the frequency and liquidity of stool. (B)</p>
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What is the primary action of chemical stimulants like senna on the gastrointestinal tract?

<p>Directly stimulating the nerve plexus in the intestinal wall. (C)</p>
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A patient is prescribed an osmotic laxative. By what mechanism does this medication increase motility in the GI tract?

<p>By increasing fluid in the intestinal contents. (C)</p>
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Why should loperamide be used with caution in older adults?

<p>Increased risk of anticholinergic effects. (A)</p>
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A patient with acute abdominal pain is requesting an osmotic laxative. What is the primary reason this may be contraindicated?

<p>It may exacerbate an undiagnosed condition. (D)</p>
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A patient who has been using senna regularly for several months is finding it increasingly difficult to have a bowel movement without it. What adverse effect is the patient likely experiencing?

<p>Dependence on the medication. (D)</p>
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Why is loperamide contraindicated in diarrhea due to poisonings?

<p>It can delay the elimination of the poison. (A)</p>
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A patient is administered magnesium citrate in preparation for a diagnostic procedure. How quickly can the nurse expect the patient to have a bowel movement?

<p>Within 1-2 hours. (D)</p>
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What is the primary mechanism of action of loperamide in treating diarrhea?

<p>Inhibiting intestinal peristalsis. (D)</p>
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Which classes of medication should not be administered with loperamide?

<p>Anticholinergics. (A)</p>
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What is the most important teaching point for a patient starting on senna?

<p>Increase fluid intake to prevent worsening constipation. (D)</p>
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A patient with a suspected fecal impaction is requesting magnesium citrate. What is the primary concern with administering this medication in this situation?

<p>It can worsen the impaction, potentially leading to obstruction. (A)</p>
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What assessment is crucial for a patient receiving magnesium citrate?

<p>Bowel sounds and movements. (C)</p>
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What is the primary reason magnesium citrate is sometimes used in cases of poisoning?

<p>To induce rapid evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract. (A)</p>
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A patient taking loperamide (Imodium) reports experiencing dizziness and a dry mouth. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?

<p>Increasing the patient's fluid intake and monitoring for worsening anticholinergic effects (B)</p>
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Flashcards

Senna Action

Directly stimulates the nerve plexus in the intestinal wall, increasing bowel movement.

Senna Contraindications

Acute abdominal disorders, heart block/CAD (use cautiously).

Senna Adverse Effects

Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, perianal irritation, and dependence.

Magnesium Citrate Action

Increases motility by increasing fluid in the intestinal contents.

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Magnesium Citrate Interaction

Beta blockers (hypoglycemia).

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Magnesium Citrate Contraindications

Acute abdominal disorders, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, abdominal surgery.

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Magnesium Citrate Adverse Effects

Severe abdominal cramps, perianal irritation, and diarrhea.

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Loperamide Action

Inhibits intestinal peristalsis; slows motility and movement of water & electrolytes.

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Loperamide Indications

Acute diarrhea and ileostomies.

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Loperamide Contraindications

Diarrhea due to poisonings (C. diff).

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Loperamide Drug Interaction

Doing so can dry everything up

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Study Notes

  • Drugs affecting GI motility influence bowel movement and intestinal function.

Chemical Stimulant (Senna)

  • Directly stimulates the nerve plexus in the intestinal wall.
  • Increases bowel movement as a result.
  • Indicated for constipation.
  • Use with caution in patients with acute abdominal disorders, heart block, or CAD.
  • Stimulating a bowel movement can overstimulate the vagus nerve, which is dangerous for these patients.
  • Adverse effects include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, perianal irritation, and dependence on the medication.
  • Encourage patients to drink lots of water to avoid constipation.

Osmotic Laxative (Magnesium Citrate)

  • Increases motility in the GI tract.
  • Increases fluid in the intestinal contents.
  • Indicated for constipation, diagnostic procedures, and poisoning.
  • Will pull everything out in 1-2 hours.
  • Drug-to-drug interaction with beta blockers can cause hypoglycemia.
  • Cautions and contraindications include acute abdominal disorders, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, and abdominal surgery.
  • Adverse effects include severe abdominal cramps, perianal irritation, and diarrhea.
  • Increase fluid intake and fiber in diet.

Antidiarrheal (Loperamide)

  • Not for C. diff.
  • Inhibits intestinal peristalsis.
  • Slows motility and movement of water and electrolytes.
  • Indicated for acute diarrhea and ileostomies, as ileostomies can cause liquid stool and irritation.
  • Cautions and contraindications include diarrhea due to poisonings (C. diff).
  • Do not administer with anticholinergics, as it can dry everything up.
  • Use carefully in older patients.

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