Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary recommendation for someone experiencing diarrhea after travel?
What is the primary recommendation for someone experiencing diarrhea after travel?
Which type of medication is safest for a patient recovering from a myocardial infarction to prevent straining during defecation?
Which type of medication is safest for a patient recovering from a myocardial infarction to prevent straining during defecation?
In assessing an older adult with continuous stooling, what is the nurse's priority assessment?
In assessing an older adult with continuous stooling, what is the nurse's priority assessment?
Why should over-the-counter medications not be used excessively for diarrhea?
Why should over-the-counter medications not be used excessively for diarrhea?
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Which product could potentially exacerbate a patient's straining during defecation after a myocardial infarction?
Which product could potentially exacerbate a patient's straining during defecation after a myocardial infarction?
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What symptom is most indicative of a possible fecal impaction in a patient with continuous stooling?
What symptom is most indicative of a possible fecal impaction in a patient with continuous stooling?
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For a patient with diarrhea and no fever, what is the most appropriate course of action?
For a patient with diarrhea and no fever, what is the most appropriate course of action?
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What is a nursing consideration regarding the use of stimulants for bowel movement?
What is a nursing consideration regarding the use of stimulants for bowel movement?
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Which symptom is indicative of lactase deficiency?
Which symptom is indicative of lactase deficiency?
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What should a patient using morphine for pain control understand to prevent constipation?
What should a patient using morphine for pain control understand to prevent constipation?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for stimulant laxatives?
What is the primary mechanism of action for stimulant laxatives?
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How does the intake of psyllium impact digoxin absorption?
How does the intake of psyllium impact digoxin absorption?
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Which laxative works by increasing bulk and promoting intestinal movement?
Which laxative works by increasing bulk and promoting intestinal movement?
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Why can't hydration alone prevent constipation in patients on opioids?
Why can't hydration alone prevent constipation in patients on opioids?
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What should be noted about the effects of laxatives for patients who have opioid prescriptions?
What should be noted about the effects of laxatives for patients who have opioid prescriptions?
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What symptom is least likely to be associated with digestive enzyme deficiencies?
What symptom is least likely to be associated with digestive enzyme deficiencies?
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What instruction should be given when administering psyllium to optimize its effectiveness?
What instruction should be given when administering psyllium to optimize its effectiveness?
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Which of the following describes the action of lactulose, an osmotic laxative?
Which of the following describes the action of lactulose, an osmotic laxative?
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Which medication should be prescribed for a patient with opioid-induced constipation when laxatives have failed?
Which medication should be prescribed for a patient with opioid-induced constipation when laxatives have failed?
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What adverse effect of lactulose should a nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?
What adverse effect of lactulose should a nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?
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When should psyllium be administered in relation to digoxin or nitrofurantoin?
When should psyllium be administered in relation to digoxin or nitrofurantoin?
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Which instruction regarding diet should be avoided when a patient is taking psyllium?
Which instruction regarding diet should be avoided when a patient is taking psyllium?
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What common adverse effect should a nurse expect in a patient taking lactulose?
What common adverse effect should a nurse expect in a patient taking lactulose?
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What is a precaution to take when administering bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium?
What is a precaution to take when administering bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium?
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Which dietary factors can lead to constipation?
Which dietary factors can lead to constipation?
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What symptoms are indicative of dehydration?
What symptoms are indicative of dehydration?
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Which laxatives are considered safe for infants?
Which laxatives are considered safe for infants?
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In which scenario is the use of antidiarrheal medication appropriate?
In which scenario is the use of antidiarrheal medication appropriate?
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Which of the following may lead to constipation in patients?
Which of the following may lead to constipation in patients?
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What might you observe in a patient experiencing signs of dehydration?
What might you observe in a patient experiencing signs of dehydration?
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Which recommendation is unsuitable for managing constipation in infants?
Which recommendation is unsuitable for managing constipation in infants?
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Which condition does not warrant treatment with an antidiarrheal?
Which condition does not warrant treatment with an antidiarrheal?
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Which type of laxative is considered the safest for routine use, particularly for older patients, due to its ability to increase stool bulk and stimulate peristalsis?
Which type of laxative is considered the safest for routine use, particularly for older patients, due to its ability to increase stool bulk and stimulate peristalsis?
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A pregnant patient is experiencing constipation due to her enlarging uterus and prenatal vitamin intake. Which type of laxative would be the most appropriate choice for her?
A pregnant patient is experiencing constipation due to her enlarging uterus and prenatal vitamin intake. Which type of laxative would be the most appropriate choice for her?
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A patient reports using loperamide (Imodium) for persistent diarrhea for a week after returning from a trip abroad. What is the nurse's best response?
A patient reports using loperamide (Imodium) for persistent diarrhea for a week after returning from a trip abroad. What is the nurse's best response?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of normal bowel elimination?
Which of the following is a characteristic of normal bowel elimination?
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Which type of laxative is contraindicated for patients with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract?
Which type of laxative is contraindicated for patients with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract?
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Which of the following conditions would make the use of laxatives contraindicated?
Which of the following conditions would make the use of laxatives contraindicated?
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Which of the following groups of patients can generally use laxatives and stool softeners regularly?
Which of the following groups of patients can generally use laxatives and stool softeners regularly?
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Which type of laxative is not considered a laxative?
Which type of laxative is not considered a laxative?
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Flashcards
Normal bowel elimination
Normal bowel elimination
Stools that are soft and occur on a regular schedule for the patient.
Lubricant laxative
Lubricant laxative
Laxative type recommended for pregnant patients with constipation.
Contraindication for laxatives
Contraindication for laxatives
Condition that prevents safe use of laxatives, e.g. appendicitis.
Bulk-forming laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives
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Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives
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Emollient laxatives
Emollient laxatives
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Signs of normal bowel habits
Signs of normal bowel habits
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Safety for laxative use
Safety for laxative use
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Lactase deficiency symptom
Lactase deficiency symptom
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Opioid use and constipation
Opioid use and constipation
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Stimulant laxative mechanism
Stimulant laxative mechanism
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Psyllium effect with digoxin
Psyllium effect with digoxin
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Hydration and constipation
Hydration and constipation
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Role of stool softeners
Role of stool softeners
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Laxative types
Laxative types
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Enemas as intervention
Enemas as intervention
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Kaopectate
Kaopectate
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Myocardial Infarction Care
Myocardial Infarction Care
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Stool Softeners
Stool Softeners
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Bowel Impaction
Bowel Impaction
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Signs of Infection
Signs of Infection
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Laxative Abuse
Laxative Abuse
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GI Disease History
GI Disease History
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Fluid Intake Importance
Fluid Intake Importance
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Causes of constipation
Causes of constipation
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Symptoms of dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration
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Fluid intake impact
Fluid intake impact
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Safe laxative for infants
Safe laxative for infants
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Signs of dehydration in older adults
Signs of dehydration in older adults
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Antidiarrheal indication
Antidiarrheal indication
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Inappropriate laxatives for infants
Inappropriate laxatives for infants
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Chronic diarrhea in elderly
Chronic diarrhea in elderly
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Psyllium Administration
Psyllium Administration
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Psyllium Interaction
Psyllium Interaction
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Osmotic Laxatives
Osmotic Laxatives
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Methylnaltrexone Use
Methylnaltrexone Use
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Serious Adverse Effect of Lactulose
Serious Adverse Effect of Lactulose
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Ineffective Laxative Therapy
Ineffective Laxative Therapy
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Psyllium and Juice
Psyllium and Juice
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Common Adverse Effects of Lactulose
Common Adverse Effects of Lactulose
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Study Notes
Multiple Choice Questions
- Normal Bowel Elimination: A regular pattern of soft stools, eliminated on a regular schedule.
- Constipation in Pregnancy: Lubricant laxatives are often the best choice due to reduced cramping and potential electrolyte issues with other types.
- Contraindicated Laxatives: Laxatives are contraindicated for patients with GI tract inflammation (e.g., appendicitis, gastritis, colitis).
- Laxatives for Older Adults: Bulk-forming laxatives are generally safer for older adults, especially those with end-stage Alzheimer's.
- Loperamide Use: If diarrhea persists for more than a week, consult a healthcare professional as it may indicate an infection.
- Myocardial Infarction & Defecation: Stool softeners prevent straining during defecation when a patient has a myocardial infarction.
- Emergency Department Presentation: Abdominal tenderness, continual stooling, and undergarments smeared with stool indicate an impaction as the priority concern rather than infection.
Laxative Types and Mechanisms
- Stimulant Laxatives: Irritate the intestines directly, promoting peristalsis and evacuation.
- Bulk-Forming Laxatives: Increase stool bulk, stimulate peristalsis by causing water retention within the stool.
- Osmotic Laxatives: Draw water into the intestines, facilitating the passage of feces.
- Lubricating Laxatives: Lubricate the intestinal walls and soften the stool.
- Combination of Factors: Issues like diet, dehydration and medicine interaction all contribute to constipation.
Medication Interactions
- Psyllium and Digoxin: Psyllium may decrease the absorption of digoxin, thus separate administration by at least an hour is recommended.
- Laxatives and Opioids: Stool softeners should be continued for patients taking opioid pain medications to prevent constipation.
- Opioid-induced Constipation: Methylnaltrexone is the treatment of choice for patients with opioid-induced constipation resistant to other laxatives.
Patient Education
- Preventing Constipation: Adequate hydration and stool softeners are crucial for patients receiving opioid pain medication.
- Opioid Use: Stool softeners should be initiated and continued as long as constipating medications are being taken.
- Diet and Laxatives: A diet lacking in fiber and/or residue can cause constipation.
Patient assessment & Symptoms
- Constipation: Symptoms may include excessive thirst, decreased urine specific gravity, mental confusion, and decreased elasticity of the skin.
- Dehydration: Symptoms include mental confusion, excessive thirst, periorbital edema, elevated blood pressure and nonelastic skin turgor.
- Infectious Diarrhea: Long-term use of antidiarrheal medication is not recommended for this type of diarrhea.
- Medication-induced Diarrhea: Symptoms such as abdominal spasms and flatulence are common and are generally not a concern for immediate action by the nurse.
- Abdominal tenderness: Abdominal tenderness is a serious, potentially acute, symptom and should be promptly reported.
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Description
This quiz covers essential nursing considerations related to bowel elimination, constipation management in pregnancy, and laxative guidelines for various populations. Understand the safe practices and contraindications for laxative use, especially in older adults and specific health conditions. Test your knowledge on how bowel health impacts overall patient care.