Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of laxative works by drawing water into the intestines to increase the osmotic pressure?
Which type of laxative works by drawing water into the intestines to increase the osmotic pressure?
- Saline (correct)
- Hyperosmotic
- Emollient
- Bulk forming
A patient taking an opioid pain medication is experiencing severe constipation. Which of the following medications would be most appropriate and directly address the cause?
A patient taking an opioid pain medication is experiencing severe constipation. Which of the following medications would be most appropriate and directly address the cause?
- Polyethylene glycol
- Docusate sodium (Colace)
- Methylnaltrexone (Relistor) (correct)
- Senna (Senokot)
Which laxative is also used to reduce elevated serum ammonia levels?
Which laxative is also used to reduce elevated serum ammonia levels?
- Mineral oil
- Bisacodyl
- Psyllium
- Lactulose (correct)
A patient with renal insufficiency is prescribed a laxative. Which type of laxative should the nurse question?
A patient with renal insufficiency is prescribed a laxative. Which type of laxative should the nurse question?
A patient reports chronic constipation and wants to use a bulk-forming laxative. What crucial instruction should be given to this patient?
A patient reports chronic constipation and wants to use a bulk-forming laxative. What crucial instruction should be given to this patient?
Which laxative type could potentially interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins?
Which laxative type could potentially interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins?
A patient is scheduled for a diagnostic bowel procedure. Which class of laxatives is often used for bowel preparation before such procedures?
A patient is scheduled for a diagnostic bowel procedure. Which class of laxatives is often used for bowel preparation before such procedures?
A patient with a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is seeking a laxative for their constipation. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
A patient with a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is seeking a laxative for their constipation. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
What is a common adverse effect associated with stimulant laxatives that patients should be aware of?
What is a common adverse effect associated with stimulant laxatives that patients should be aware of?
Which of the following is the mechanism of action of emollient laxatives?
Which of the following is the mechanism of action of emollient laxatives?
What is the primary mechanism of action of bulk-forming laxatives?
What is the primary mechanism of action of bulk-forming laxatives?
A patient reports discolored urine after starting a new laxative. Which type of laxative is most likely responsible for this side effect?
A patient reports discolored urine after starting a new laxative. Which type of laxative is most likely responsible for this side effect?
A patient is experiencing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. What is the most appropriate initial action regarding laxative use?
A patient is experiencing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. What is the most appropriate initial action regarding laxative use?
Which of the following laxative types is most likely to cause impaction if not taken with sufficient fluids?
Which of the following laxative types is most likely to cause impaction if not taken with sufficient fluids?
What is the primary mechanism of action of saline laxatives?
What is the primary mechanism of action of saline laxatives?
Which type of laxative is best suited for short-term relief of constipation, rather than long-term management?
Which type of laxative is best suited for short-term relief of constipation, rather than long-term management?
A patient is diagnosed with fecal impaction. Which type of laxative may be used to help manage this condition?
A patient is diagnosed with fecal impaction. Which type of laxative may be used to help manage this condition?
Which adverse effect is most closely associated with hyperosmotic laxative use?
Which adverse effect is most closely associated with hyperosmotic laxative use?
Which of the following is a contraindication or precaution to consider before administering a saline laxative?
Which of the following is a contraindication or precaution to consider before administering a saline laxative?
What baseline assessment is most important for the nurse to complete before initiating any type of laxative therapy?
What baseline assessment is most important for the nurse to complete before initiating any type of laxative therapy?
Flashcards
Bulk-forming laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives
High-fibre substances that absorb water, increasing bulk and stimulating bowel activity.
Emollient laxatives
Emollient laxatives
Laxatives that promote water and fat incorporation into stools, softening them and lubricating the intestinal walls.
Hyperosmotic laxatives
Hyperosmotic laxatives
Laxatives that increase fecal water content, leading to bowel distention and evacuation.
Saline laxatives
Saline laxatives
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Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives
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Bulk forming laxative uses
Bulk forming laxative uses
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Emollient laxative uses
Emollient laxative uses
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Hyperosmotic laxative uses
Hyperosmotic laxative uses
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Saline Laxative Uses
Saline Laxative Uses
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Opioid Antagonists
Opioid Antagonists
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Stimulant Laxative Uses
Stimulant Laxative Uses
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Bulk-forming laxative adverse effects
Bulk-forming laxative adverse effects
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Emollient laxatives adverse effects
Emollient laxatives adverse effects
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Hyperosmotic Laxative Adverse Effects
Hyperosmotic Laxative Adverse Effects
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Saline Laxative Adverse Effects
Saline Laxative Adverse Effects
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Stimulant Laxative Adverse Effects
Stimulant Laxative Adverse Effects
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Laxative Nursing Implications
Laxative Nursing Implications
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Study Notes
- Laxatives are categorized into bulk forming, emollient, hyperosmotic, saline, and stimulant types.
Laxatives: Mechanism of Action
- Bulk forming laxatives are high in fiber, absorb water to increase bulk, and distend the bowel to initiate reflex bowel activity.
- Psyllium (Metamucil®) and methylcellulose are examples of bulk-forming laxatives.
- Emollient laxatives act as stool softeners and lubricants, promoting more water and fat in the stools and lubricating the fecal material and intestinal walls.
- Docusate salts (Colace®) are stool softeners, while mineral oil is a lubricant.
- Hyperosmotic laxatives increase fecal water content, leading to bowel distention, increased peristalsis, and evacuation.
- Polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerin, and lactulose are examples of hyperosmotic laxatives. Lactulose is also used to reduce elevated serum ammonia levels.
- Saline laxatives increase osmotic pressure within the intestinal tract, causing more water to enter the intestines, resulting in bowel distention, increased peristalsis, and evacuation.
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia®) and magnesium citrate are saline laxatives.
- Stimulant laxatives increase peristalsis via intestinal nerve stimulation.
- Senna (Senokot®) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) are examples of stimulant laxatives.
Peripherally Acting Opioid Antagonists
- Peripherally acting opioid antagonists treat constipation related to opioid use and bowel resection therapy, blocking the entrance of opioids into the bowel.
- These antagonists, such as methylnaltrexone (Relistor®) and alvimopan (Entereg®), allow the bowel to function normally with continued opioid use.
Laxatives: Indications
- Bulk-forming laxatives are used for acute and chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticulosis.
- Emollient laxatives are indicated for acute and chronic constipation, fecal impaction, and facilitation of bowel movements in anorectal conditions.
- Hyperosmotic laxatives are used for chronic constipation and diagnostic and surgical procedures.
- Saline laxatives are used for constipation and diagnostic and surgical procedures.
- Stimulant laxatives are used for acute constipation and diagnostic and surgical procedures.
Laxatives: Adverse Effects
- Bulk forming laxatives may cause impaction, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, gas formation, esophageal blockage, and allergic reaction.
- Emollient laxatives may cause skin rashes, decreased absorption of vitamins, electrolyte imbalances, and lipid pneumonia.
- Hyperosmotic laxatives may cause abdominal bloating, electrolyte imbalances, and rectal irritation.
- Saline laxatives may cause magnesium toxicity (with renal insufficiency), cramping, and increased thirst.
- Stimulant laxatives may cause nutrient malabsorption, skin rashes, gastric irritation, electrolyte imbalances, discolored urine, and rectal irritation.
- All laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances.
Laxatives: Nursing Implications
- Obtain a thorough history of presenting symptoms, elimination patterns, and allergies before initiating laxative therapy.
- Assess fluid and electrolytes before initiating therapy.
- Patients experiencing nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain should not take laxatives.
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