Chapter 34: Drugs Used to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea
Clayton/Willihnganz: Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 17th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. When the
... [Show More] 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
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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? [Show Less]