Chapter 34 Drugs Used to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea

Chapter 34  Drugs Used to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. When the nurse assesses bowel habits in a patient, which is the best example of normal bowel elimination?
a.
Daily bowel movements
b.
Multiple soft stools daily
c.
Daily liquid stools
d.
Regular bowel elimination pattern of soft stool

ANS: D
Normal bowel habits are stools that are soft and occur on a regular schedule of elimination for that particular patient. Although this may be routine for some people, it is not normal for everyone. Liquid stools are not considered normal.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 526 OBJ: 1
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity
NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Elimination

2. Which drug would be most effective for an obstetric patient who is complaining of constipation as a result of her enlarging uterus and use of prenatal vitamins?
a.
Saline laxative
b.
Lubricant laxative
c.
Stimulant laxative
d.
Mineral oil

ANS: B
Lubricant and bulk-forming laxatives may be used in the pregnant patient because little cramping accompanies their use. Saline laxatives are not safe for a pregnant woman because of the bowel distention and possible electrolyte imbalance they may cause. Stimulant laxatives are too harsh for a pregnant woman because they may cause cramping. Mineral oil is not a good laxative to use on a regular basis because it can cause malabsorption of vitamins.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 530 OBJ: 2
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity
NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Elimination

3. The nurse is performing a premedication assessment. For which patient would laxative use be contraindicated?
a.
Patient with quadriplegia
b.
Patient with appendicitis
c.
Geriatric patient
d.
Patient with fractured femur

ANS: B
Patients who have a history of an inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including gastritis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and appendicitis, should not take laxatives and should be referred to a health care provider. Quadriplegic and geriatric patients as well as patients with fractures may generally take laxatives and stool softeners on a regular basis.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 531 OBJ: 2
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity
NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Elimination

4. Which is the laxative of choice for an older patient who is in the end stage of Alzheimer’s disease and requires a daily laxative?
a.
Emollient
b.
Stimulant
c.
Fecal softener
d.
Bulk forming

ANS: D
Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the safest laxative for routine use because they cause water to be retained within the stool, which increases bulk, and stimulates peristalsis. Emollient laxatives reduce muscle tone and decrease peristalsis over time. Stimulant laxatives can cause cramping and should not be used on a regular basis. Fecal softeners are not laxatives.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 530 OBJ: 2
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Elimination

5. A friend reports using loperamide (Imodium) for continual diarrhea for a week since returning home from a vacation outside the country. Which is the nurse’s best response?
a.
“There are some other over-the-counter products available for diarrhea, such as Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate).”
b.
“I’d stop taking the Imodium and go in to see a health care provider immediately. You may have an infection in your intestinal tract.”
c.
“If you’re not running a temperature, I wouldn’t worry. That happens to many people when they travel.”
d.
“As long as you can drink plenty of fluids, I’m sure the diarrhea will go away once you’re back in a normal routine.”

ANS: B
Diarrhea may be a defense mechanism to rid the body of infecting organisms or irritants. Diarrhea is usually self-limiting and should not be suppressed with over-the-counter products. It is safest for people who are suffering from diarrhea after traveling outside the country to visit their health care provider, who can determine whether an infection is present.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 532 OBJ: 6
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance
NOT: CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Patient Education; Safety; Communication; Elimination; Infection