Question 1 of 7
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Which class of laxatives acts by reducing surface tension of the stool to allow water and lipids to enter the stool?
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- Bulk-formingBulk-forming laxatives cause the stool to absorb fluids and swell in the gastrointestinal tract.
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- Stool softenersStool softeners, or emollients, reduce the surface tension of the stool by causing water and lipids to permeate it.
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- StimulantsStimulant laxatives stimulate peristalsis by irritating the mucosal lining of the intestine.
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- OsmoticOsmotic laxatives work to increase fluid absorption by the stool which leads to peristalsis and easier passage of the stool.
Question 2 of 7
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Which drug class is used to treat constipation? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
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- AntispasmodicsAntispasmodic drugs are used to treat diarrhea, not constipation, by inhibiting muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract.
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- Bulk-forming drugsBulk-forming laxatives work to absorb water and increase bulk to manage constipation.
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- AnticholinergicsThe anticholinergic drugs are used to treat diarrhea, not constipation, by selectively blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
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- LubricantsLubricant laxatives coat the surface of stool and colon to ease passage of feces to treat constipation.
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- OsmoticsOsmotic laxatives are used to treat constipation by increasing the water content of stool.
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- StimulantsStimulant laxatives manage constipation by inducing peristalsis via nerve stimulation in colon.
Question 3 of 7
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Which instruction would the nurse include when teaching a patient about the administration of stimulant laxatives? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
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- “Notify your healthcare provider if you have only one bowel movement a day.”Normal bowel function varies between individuals. Some patients may have 1 to 3 stools per day, others only 3 times a week.
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- “Make sure to include a high amount of protein in the diet every day.”The nurse should make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in the diet every day.
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- “Continue taking this drug even if you have severe abdominal pain.”The nurse should instruct the patient never to take laxatives with severe abdominal pain without consulting a healthcare provider. This symptom could be indicative of a serious illness.
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- “Maintain adequate fluid intake.”Hydration is necessary to help the patient maintain an adequate bowel function by making it easier to keep solids moving in the gastrointestinal tract.
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- “Overusing stimulant laxatives can lead to electrolyte problems and dehydration.”Overuse of stimulant laxatives may cause excessive fluid and electrolyte imbalance, particularly dehydration and hypokalemia.
Question 4 of 7
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Which patient report indicates that a prescribed antispasmodic was effective? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
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- Decreased bloatingAntispasmodic drugs reduce muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, which causes decreased bloating.
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- Decreased crampingAntispasmodic drugs reduce muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing cramping.
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- Decreased hard stoolsDecreased hard stools are an indication that constipation has improved.
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- Decreased watery stoolsAntispasmodic drugs reduce muscle contraction and watery stools.
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- Decreased strainingDecreased straining is indicative that constipation symptoms have improved.
Question 5 of 7
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Which finding would the nurse question prior to giving an antidiarrheal drug?
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- CrampingCramping is a symptom typically associated with diarrhea caused by the increase muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract.
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- BloatingBloating is common finding associated with the gas being present in the gut due to diarrhea.
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- FeverIf a fever is associated with diarrhea, the healthcare provider may withhold any antidiarrheals to allow the body to naturally get rid of the infection.
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- Blood in stoolSome amount of blood in the stool is normal with diarrhea.
Question 6 of 7
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Which drug class blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from binding to its receptors in nerve cells?
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- Synthetic opioid agonistsSynthetic opioid agonists block mu-opioid receptors in the stomach to decrease stool frequency.
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- AnticholinergicsAnticholinergic drugs such as dicyclomine reduce diarrhea and associated symptoms by selectively blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from binding to its receptors in nerve cells.
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- Stool softenersStool softeners allow fluids and lipids to enter the stool by reducing the surface tension.
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- Osmotic laxativesOsmotic laxatives work by increasing water absorption by the stool.
Question 7 of 7
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Which information would the nurse include when teaching a patient about the action and use of stool softeners? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
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- They absorb water in the GI tract.Bulk-forming laxatives, not stool softeners, relieve constipation by absorbing water in the GI tract, which alters intestinal fluid and electrolytes.
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- They increase stool bulk.Stool softeners do not increase stool bulk.
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- They can prevent constipation.Stool softeners can be used for the prevention of constipation.
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- They reduce surface tension of stool.Stool softeners relieve constipation by reducing surface tension of the stool so that water and lipids can enter the stool and soften the feces, which makes it easier to pass the stool.
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- They expand stool.This is an action of bulk-forming laxatives, not stool softeners.