C HAPTER 34: D RUGS U SED TO T REAT
C ONSTIPATION AND D IARRHEA
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which s ymptom is the patient with a lactase deficiency most likel y to
exhibit?
a. Constipation
b. Excessive salivation
c. Diarrhea
d. Vomiting
ANS: C
Patients with deficiencies of digestive enzymes such as lactase or am ylase
have difficult y digesting certain foods. Diarrhea usuall y develops because of
irritation from undigested food. Constipation, excessive salivation, and
vomiting do not result from enz yme deficiencies.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 551 OBJ: 2
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
CON: Clinical Judgment | Elimination
2. A patient is receiving morphine for pain control. Which patient education
information will the nurse emphasize about preventing constipation?
a. Adequate hydration consists of four full glasses of water every day.
, b. Laxatives should be given on a dail y basis.
c. Stool softeners are taken on a regular basis during opioid use.
d. Enemas should be given on a weekl y basis.
ANS: C
When codeine or morphine is used regularl y for pain control in cancer
patients, it is imperative that the individual know that stool softeners should
be initiated and continued as long as constipating medicines are being taken.
Although adequate hydration is important in the prevention of constipation,
individual needs vary, and hydration alone cannot prevent constipation
related to opioid use. Laxatives are too harsh to be given regularl y unless
specificall y ordered by the healthcare provider. Enemas are not a preventive
measure but an intervention intended to produce a more positive outcome.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 553 OBJ: 1
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Elimination | Pain | Patient Education |
Safet y
3. Which explanation accuratel y describes the mechanism of action of a
stimulant laxative?
a. Draws water into the bowel to facilitate the passage of feces.
b. Lubricates the intestinal wall and softens stool.
c. Increases bulk and stimulates peristalsis.
d. Irritates the intestine directl y, promoting peristalsis and evacuation.
ANS: D
Stimulant laxatives act directl y on the intestine, causing an irritation that
promotes peristalsis and evacuation. Saline laxatives draw water into the
bowel to facilitate the passage of feces. Lubricant laxatives lubricate the
C ONSTIPATION AND D IARRHEA
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which s ymptom is the patient with a lactase deficiency most likel y to
exhibit?
a. Constipation
b. Excessive salivation
c. Diarrhea
d. Vomiting
ANS: C
Patients with deficiencies of digestive enzymes such as lactase or am ylase
have difficult y digesting certain foods. Diarrhea usuall y develops because of
irritation from undigested food. Constipation, excessive salivation, and
vomiting do not result from enz yme deficiencies.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 551 OBJ: 2
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment
CON: Clinical Judgment | Elimination
2. A patient is receiving morphine for pain control. Which patient education
information will the nurse emphasize about preventing constipation?
a. Adequate hydration consists of four full glasses of water every day.
, b. Laxatives should be given on a dail y basis.
c. Stool softeners are taken on a regular basis during opioid use.
d. Enemas should be given on a weekl y basis.
ANS: C
When codeine or morphine is used regularl y for pain control in cancer
patients, it is imperative that the individual know that stool softeners should
be initiated and continued as long as constipating medicines are being taken.
Although adequate hydration is important in the prevention of constipation,
individual needs vary, and hydration alone cannot prevent constipation
related to opioid use. Laxatives are too harsh to be given regularl y unless
specificall y ordered by the healthcare provider. Enemas are not a preventive
measure but an intervention intended to produce a more positive outcome.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 553 OBJ: 1
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Elimination | Pain | Patient Education |
Safet y
3. Which explanation accuratel y describes the mechanism of action of a
stimulant laxative?
a. Draws water into the bowel to facilitate the passage of feces.
b. Lubricates the intestinal wall and softens stool.
c. Increases bulk and stimulates peristalsis.
d. Irritates the intestine directl y, promoting peristalsis and evacuation.
ANS: D
Stimulant laxatives act directl y on the intestine, causing an irritation that
promotes peristalsis and evacuation. Saline laxatives draw water into the
bowel to facilitate the passage of feces. Lubricant laxatives lubricate the
