Understanding Constipation

What is a key characteristic of constipation?

Infrequent stools (correct)
Complete defecation
Easy stool passage
Frequent stools

Why is urgent investigation needed for new-onset constipation in patients over 50 years of age?

Due to the risk of malignancy (correct)
To prevent dehydration
To increase dietary fiber
To reduce bloating

What is a recommended approach for managing constipation?

Increasing fluid intake (correct)
Reducing dietary fiber intake
Avoiding fruits and vegetables
Limiting exercise

What may using excessive laxatives lead to?

Hypokalaemia (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ensure that the patient is truly constipated before prescribing laxatives?

To prevent unnecessary medication use (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of diet should be recommended for managing constipation?

Balanced diet with whole grains and fruits (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using sodium acid phosphate with sodium bicarbonate?

To evacuate bowels before diagnostic procedures (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advised against using sodium picosulfate during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Manufacturer's advice (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily dosage of sodium picosulfate for adults aged 11-17 years?

5-10 mg (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which medication can be used for treating opioid-induced constipation in adults with dosages of 200 micrograms once daily?

Naldemedine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What side effect is specifically mentioned as a result of prolonged or excessive use of sodium picosulfate?

Hypokalemia (A) Signup and view all the answers

How should methylnaltrexone bromide be taken for adults with opioid-induced constipation?

12 mg once daily if required (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dose of MOVICOL® Ready to Take Sachets for chronic constipation in children aged 12-17 years?

1-3 sachets daily (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maintenance dose of MOVICOL® Ready to Take Sachets for children aged 12-17 years after disimpaction?

1-2 sachets daily (D) Signup and view all the answers

What patient group should avoid directly mixing macrogol-based laxatives with starch-based thickeners according to the MHRA/CHM advice in April 2021?

Patients with dysphagia (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the contra-indications for using 'paediatric' sachets for faecal impaction?

Impaired cardiovascular function (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the dosage regimen for VISTAPREP® ORAL POWDER in adults before colonoscopy?

3 litres reconstituted solution taken over 4 hours (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of Fleet® Phospho-soda?

Hypokalemia (D) Signup and view all the answers

When should solid food intake be stopped before starting Fleet® Phospho-soda treatment?

> 6 hours before (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended initial dose of prucalopride for elderly individuals?

1 mg once daily (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which gastrointestinal issue is NOT treated with prucalopride?

Heart failure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should patients or carers do if the reconstituted solution of oral powder is not consumed immediately?

Refrigerate and discard if unused after 48 hours (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage of Senna for children aged 1-11 months?

1 g as required (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following side effects is described as 'uncommon' for bisacodyl?

Haematochezia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage range of bisacodyl for adults?

10-30 mg per day (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Senna is correct?

Senna is a stimulant laxative that stimulates peristalsis, increasing the motility of the large intestine after metabolism of sennosides in the gut. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage range of bisacodyl for children aged 4-17 years?

10-20 mg per day (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Arachis oil is correct?

Arachis oil is used to soften impacted feces, with dosages ranging from 12.5 mg to 120 mg for oral administration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage range of Senna for children aged 12-17 years?

4 g as required (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the side effects of bisacodyl is correct?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage range of Arachis oil for oral administration?

12.5 mg to 120 mg (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the use of stimulant laxatives is correct?

Excessive use of stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and related effects such as hypokalemia. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the MHRA's new measures for stimulant laxatives is correct?

The MHRA has introduced new pack size restrictions and revised recommended ages for use of stimulant laxatives. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of laxative mentioned in the text?

Emollient laxatives (C) Signup and view all the answers

For treating chronic constipation in children, what is the recommended approach?

A bulk-forming laxative, ensuring good hydration (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended dietary modification for constipation in children?

Consuming processed bran (B) Signup and view all the answers

If prucalopride is not effective after 4 weeks for treating constipation, what should be done?

Re-examine the patient and reconsider continuing treatment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of macrogol 3350, a laxative used for chronic constipation?

Hypoglycemia (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contra-indication for the use of lactulose, an oral laxative?

Galactosemia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage of sterculia for adults?

1-2 heaped spoonfuls once or twice a day (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential contra-indication for the use of macrogol 3350?

Ileus (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach if the first-line laxative therapy for constipation in children is not tolerated?

Both a and b (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for continuing laxatives in children with chronic constipation?

Several weeks after establishing a regular bowel movement pattern (D) Signup and view all the answers