Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
1. 1. A nurse is taking a history on a clinic patient who reports being constipated. Upon further questioning, the nurse learns that
the patient's last stool was 4 days ago, that it was of normal, soft consistency, and that the patient defecated without straining. The
patient's abdomen is not distended, and bowel sounds are present. The patient reports usually having a stool every 1 to 2 days
What will the nurse do?
a.
Ask about recent food and fluid intake. b.
Discuss the use of polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]. c.
Recommend a bulk laxative. d.
Suggest using a bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppository.: ANS: A
Constipation cannot necessarily be defined by the frequency of bowel movements, because this varies from one individual to
another. Constipation is defined in terms of a variety of symptoms, including hard stools, infrequent stools, excessive straining
prolonged effort, and unsuccessful or incomplete defecation. A common cause of constipation is diet, especially fluid and fiber
intake; therefore, when changes in stool patterns occur, patients should be questioned about food and fluid intake. Because this
patient has only more infrequent stools and is not truly constipated, laxatives are not indicated.
2. 2. A patient is admitted with lower abdominal pain and nausea. The nurse performing the initial assessment notes that
the patient's abdomen is distended and firm, and hypoactive bowel sounds are present. The patient has not had a stool for 3
days. The nurse will contact the provider, who will:
a.
order a bulk-forming laxative. b.
order extra fluids and fiber. c. perform diagnostic tests. d.
prescribe a cathartic laxative.: ANS: C Laxatives are
contraindicated for patients with abdominal pain, nausea,
cramps, or other symptoms of abdominal disease or an
acute surgical abdomen. Laxatives should not be used in
patients with obstruction or impaction. This patient
shows signs of abdominal obstruction, and laxatives could
cause a bowel perforation secondary to increased
peristalsis. A bulk-forming laxative is contraindicated.
Patients with acute abdomens should be kept NPO
pending diagnosis. A cathartic laxative is contraindicated.
3. 3. A patient with renal disease is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Before the procedure, the nurse will anticipate
administering:
a.
glycerin suppository. b. magnesium hydroxide
(MOM).
c. polyethylene glycol and electrolytes. d. sodium
phosphate.: ANS: C
, Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus electrolytes (ELS) is one of two bowel cleansers used before colonoscopy to clear the bowel. PEG-
ELS products are preferred, because unlike sodium phosphate, they are isotonic and do not increase the likelihood of dehydration
and electrolyte imbalance. Glycerin suppositories and magnesium hydroxide are not used for bowel cleansing.
4. 4. The parent of a child with cerebral palsy reports that the child has pebble-like stools most of the time and seems
uncomfortable if several days have passed between stools. The nurse will suggest that the parent discuss which medication with
the child's provider? a.
Bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppositories b.
Magnesium citrate
c.
Methylcellulose [Citrucel] d.
Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]: ANS: D
Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative widely used for chronic constipation, which this child has, because it provides relief from
abdominal discomfort, improves stool consistency, and increases frequency. Bisacodyl is not recommended for long-term use
Magnesium citrate causes increased water loss, and methylcellulose can also cause impaction.
5. 5. A patient's provider has recommended a bulk-forming laxative for occasional constipation. Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding of the teaching about this agent? a.
"I can take this medication long term." b.
"I should not take this drug if I have diverticulitis." c.
"I should take each dose with a full glass of water." d.
"This drug can cause severe diarrhea.": ANS: C
Bulk-forming laxatives provide insoluble substances that swell in water to both soften and increase the size of the fecal mass.
Patients should be taught to take the dose with a full glass of water. Laxatives in general are not recommended for long-term use.
Bulk-forming laxatives are safe for patients with diverticulitis. They are often used to treat diarrhea, because they help form the
fecal mass.
6. 6. A patient has been taking psyllium [Metamucil] two to three times daily for several days. The patient complains of stomach
pain but has not had a stool.
What will the nurse do? a.
Ask the patient to drink a full glass of water. b.
Give another dose of the psyllium.
c.
Request an order for a bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppository. d.
Palpate the patient's abdomen and auscultate for bowel sounds.: ANS: D
, Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and can cause a fecal impaction or obstruction. Abdominal pain can be a sign of impaction or
obstruction, so the nurse should assess the patient for this complication. Giving fluids by mouth, administering more laxative, or
giving a suppository are all contraindicated if an obstruction has developed and should not be done until this condition is ruled out
7. 7. A 6-year-old child has frequent constipation. The nurse provides teaching after the parent asks the nurse why the
provider recommended using laxatives only when needed. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
a.
"Children who take laxatives regularly can become dehydrated." b.
"Chronic laxative use can cause electrolyte imbalances." c.
"Frequent use of laxatives can cause diverticulitis." d.
"The normal reflex to defecate can be inhibited with overuse of laxatives.": ANS:
C
Laxatives do not cause diverticulitis, although some laxatives can aggravate this condition. Chronic use of laxatives can cause
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and can suppress the normal defecation reflex.
8. 8. Which condition would cause the nurse to withhold a PRN order for magnesium hydroxide? a.
Chronic renal failure b. Cirrhosis
c.
Hemorrhoids
d.
Prostatitis: ANS: A
Magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels in patients with renal dysfunction. The nurse should withhold the medication.
Magnesium hydroxide is not contraindicated for patients with hemorrhoids, prostatitis, or cirrhosis.
9. 9. The nurse is caring for an older adult patient after a right hip open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The patient is
taking an opioid every 6 hours as needed for pain. The nurse discusses obtaining an order from the prescriber for which
medication? a.
Docusate sodium [Colace] b.
GoLYTELY
c.
Lactulose d.
Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]: ANS: A
Oxycodone can be constipating. The patient needs something prophylactically, such as docusate sodium, that can be taken daily to
prevent constipation. In addition, the patient's mobility is limited, which can further increase the risk of constipation. GoLYTELY is
not indicated for constipation; it is used for cleansing the bowel before diagnostic procedures. Lactulose is not indicated; it typically
is used for reducing ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Polyethylene glycol is indicated for occasional constipation; no
information suggests that the patient is constipated.
, Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
10. 10. A patient will undergo a colonoscopy, and the provider has ordered sodium phosphate as a bowel cleanser before the
procedure. The nurse reviews the patient's chart and notes that the patient's creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen are both
elevated. What will the nurse do? a.
Reduce the amount of fluid given with the laxative to prevent fluid retention. b.
Request an order to give polyethylene glycol and electrolytes (PEG-ELS) instead.
c.
Suggest that the patient reduce the dietary sodium intake. d.
Suggest using a suppository laxative instead.: ANS: B
PEG-ELS solutions provide an isosmotic solution and do not cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. They are safe to use in
patients with renal impairment or cardiovascular disease. This patient's laboratory values suggest renal impairment. Sodium
phosphate products can cause kidney damage; giving them with less fluid only increases this possibility. Reducing the dietary intake
of sodium is not recommended. Suppositories are not effective bowel cleansing agents.
11. 11. A patient reports taking an oral bisacodyl laxative [Dulcolax] for several years. The provider has suggested discontinuing
the laxative, but the patient is unsure how to do this. The nurse will tell the patient to: a.
stop taking the oral laxative and use a suppository until normal motility resumes.
b.
stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days. c. switch to a bulk-forming laxative, such as
methylcellulose [Metamucil]. d. withdraw from the laxative slowly to avoid a rebound constipation effect.: ANS: B
The first step in breaking the laxative habit is abrupt cessation of laxative use. Bowel movements will be absent for several days
after laxative withdrawal. Using a suppository, a bulk-forming laxative, or tapering the laxative only prolongs the habit and prevents
normal function from returning.
12. 12. A patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse has been admitted to the unit with cirrhosis. Upon review of the
patient's laboratory test results, the nurse notes that the patient's ammonia level is elevated at 218 mcg/dL. What medication
should the nurse prepare to administer? a.
0.9% NS
b.
Docusate sodium [Colace]
c.
Lactulose d.
Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]: ANS: C
Lactulose is the only laxative known to lower ammonia levels in patients with portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy
secondary to liver disease. No information suggests that the patient needs fluid or electrolyte replacement. Docusate sodium and
polyethylene glycol are not effective at lowering ammonia levels.
13. 13. A patient has been taking senna [Senokot] for several days, and the nurse notes that the urine is yellowish-brown.
What does the nurse know about this symptom?
a.
1. 1. A nurse is taking a history on a clinic patient who reports being constipated. Upon further questioning, the nurse learns that
the patient's last stool was 4 days ago, that it was of normal, soft consistency, and that the patient defecated without straining. The
patient's abdomen is not distended, and bowel sounds are present. The patient reports usually having a stool every 1 to 2 days
What will the nurse do?
a.
Ask about recent food and fluid intake. b.
Discuss the use of polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]. c.
Recommend a bulk laxative. d.
Suggest using a bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppository.: ANS: A
Constipation cannot necessarily be defined by the frequency of bowel movements, because this varies from one individual to
another. Constipation is defined in terms of a variety of symptoms, including hard stools, infrequent stools, excessive straining
prolonged effort, and unsuccessful or incomplete defecation. A common cause of constipation is diet, especially fluid and fiber
intake; therefore, when changes in stool patterns occur, patients should be questioned about food and fluid intake. Because this
patient has only more infrequent stools and is not truly constipated, laxatives are not indicated.
2. 2. A patient is admitted with lower abdominal pain and nausea. The nurse performing the initial assessment notes that
the patient's abdomen is distended and firm, and hypoactive bowel sounds are present. The patient has not had a stool for 3
days. The nurse will contact the provider, who will:
a.
order a bulk-forming laxative. b.
order extra fluids and fiber. c. perform diagnostic tests. d.
prescribe a cathartic laxative.: ANS: C Laxatives are
contraindicated for patients with abdominal pain, nausea,
cramps, or other symptoms of abdominal disease or an
acute surgical abdomen. Laxatives should not be used in
patients with obstruction or impaction. This patient
shows signs of abdominal obstruction, and laxatives could
cause a bowel perforation secondary to increased
peristalsis. A bulk-forming laxative is contraindicated.
Patients with acute abdomens should be kept NPO
pending diagnosis. A cathartic laxative is contraindicated.
3. 3. A patient with renal disease is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Before the procedure, the nurse will anticipate
administering:
a.
glycerin suppository. b. magnesium hydroxide
(MOM).
c. polyethylene glycol and electrolytes. d. sodium
phosphate.: ANS: C
, Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus electrolytes (ELS) is one of two bowel cleansers used before colonoscopy to clear the bowel. PEG-
ELS products are preferred, because unlike sodium phosphate, they are isotonic and do not increase the likelihood of dehydration
and electrolyte imbalance. Glycerin suppositories and magnesium hydroxide are not used for bowel cleansing.
4. 4. The parent of a child with cerebral palsy reports that the child has pebble-like stools most of the time and seems
uncomfortable if several days have passed between stools. The nurse will suggest that the parent discuss which medication with
the child's provider? a.
Bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppositories b.
Magnesium citrate
c.
Methylcellulose [Citrucel] d.
Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]: ANS: D
Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative widely used for chronic constipation, which this child has, because it provides relief from
abdominal discomfort, improves stool consistency, and increases frequency. Bisacodyl is not recommended for long-term use
Magnesium citrate causes increased water loss, and methylcellulose can also cause impaction.
5. 5. A patient's provider has recommended a bulk-forming laxative for occasional constipation. Which statement by the
patient indicates understanding of the teaching about this agent? a.
"I can take this medication long term." b.
"I should not take this drug if I have diverticulitis." c.
"I should take each dose with a full glass of water." d.
"This drug can cause severe diarrhea.": ANS: C
Bulk-forming laxatives provide insoluble substances that swell in water to both soften and increase the size of the fecal mass.
Patients should be taught to take the dose with a full glass of water. Laxatives in general are not recommended for long-term use.
Bulk-forming laxatives are safe for patients with diverticulitis. They are often used to treat diarrhea, because they help form the
fecal mass.
6. 6. A patient has been taking psyllium [Metamucil] two to three times daily for several days. The patient complains of stomach
pain but has not had a stool.
What will the nurse do? a.
Ask the patient to drink a full glass of water. b.
Give another dose of the psyllium.
c.
Request an order for a bisacodyl [Dulcolax] suppository. d.
Palpate the patient's abdomen and auscultate for bowel sounds.: ANS: D
, Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and can cause a fecal impaction or obstruction. Abdominal pain can be a sign of impaction or
obstruction, so the nurse should assess the patient for this complication. Giving fluids by mouth, administering more laxative, or
giving a suppository are all contraindicated if an obstruction has developed and should not be done until this condition is ruled out
7. 7. A 6-year-old child has frequent constipation. The nurse provides teaching after the parent asks the nurse why the
provider recommended using laxatives only when needed. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
a.
"Children who take laxatives regularly can become dehydrated." b.
"Chronic laxative use can cause electrolyte imbalances." c.
"Frequent use of laxatives can cause diverticulitis." d.
"The normal reflex to defecate can be inhibited with overuse of laxatives.": ANS:
C
Laxatives do not cause diverticulitis, although some laxatives can aggravate this condition. Chronic use of laxatives can cause
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and can suppress the normal defecation reflex.
8. 8. Which condition would cause the nurse to withhold a PRN order for magnesium hydroxide? a.
Chronic renal failure b. Cirrhosis
c.
Hemorrhoids
d.
Prostatitis: ANS: A
Magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels in patients with renal dysfunction. The nurse should withhold the medication.
Magnesium hydroxide is not contraindicated for patients with hemorrhoids, prostatitis, or cirrhosis.
9. 9. The nurse is caring for an older adult patient after a right hip open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The patient is
taking an opioid every 6 hours as needed for pain. The nurse discusses obtaining an order from the prescriber for which
medication? a.
Docusate sodium [Colace] b.
GoLYTELY
c.
Lactulose d.
Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]: ANS: A
Oxycodone can be constipating. The patient needs something prophylactically, such as docusate sodium, that can be taken daily to
prevent constipation. In addition, the patient's mobility is limited, which can further increase the risk of constipation. GoLYTELY is
not indicated for constipation; it is used for cleansing the bowel before diagnostic procedures. Lactulose is not indicated; it typically
is used for reducing ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Polyethylene glycol is indicated for occasional constipation; no
information suggests that the patient is constipated.
, Laxatives and Antidiarrheals
10. 10. A patient will undergo a colonoscopy, and the provider has ordered sodium phosphate as a bowel cleanser before the
procedure. The nurse reviews the patient's chart and notes that the patient's creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen are both
elevated. What will the nurse do? a.
Reduce the amount of fluid given with the laxative to prevent fluid retention. b.
Request an order to give polyethylene glycol and electrolytes (PEG-ELS) instead.
c.
Suggest that the patient reduce the dietary sodium intake. d.
Suggest using a suppository laxative instead.: ANS: B
PEG-ELS solutions provide an isosmotic solution and do not cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. They are safe to use in
patients with renal impairment or cardiovascular disease. This patient's laboratory values suggest renal impairment. Sodium
phosphate products can cause kidney damage; giving them with less fluid only increases this possibility. Reducing the dietary intake
of sodium is not recommended. Suppositories are not effective bowel cleansing agents.
11. 11. A patient reports taking an oral bisacodyl laxative [Dulcolax] for several years. The provider has suggested discontinuing
the laxative, but the patient is unsure how to do this. The nurse will tell the patient to: a.
stop taking the oral laxative and use a suppository until normal motility resumes.
b.
stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days. c. switch to a bulk-forming laxative, such as
methylcellulose [Metamucil]. d. withdraw from the laxative slowly to avoid a rebound constipation effect.: ANS: B
The first step in breaking the laxative habit is abrupt cessation of laxative use. Bowel movements will be absent for several days
after laxative withdrawal. Using a suppository, a bulk-forming laxative, or tapering the laxative only prolongs the habit and prevents
normal function from returning.
12. 12. A patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse has been admitted to the unit with cirrhosis. Upon review of the
patient's laboratory test results, the nurse notes that the patient's ammonia level is elevated at 218 mcg/dL. What medication
should the nurse prepare to administer? a.
0.9% NS
b.
Docusate sodium [Colace]
c.
Lactulose d.
Polyethylene glycol [MiraLax]: ANS: C
Lactulose is the only laxative known to lower ammonia levels in patients with portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy
secondary to liver disease. No information suggests that the patient needs fluid or electrolyte replacement. Docusate sodium and
polyethylene glycol are not effective at lowering ammonia levels.
13. 13. A patient has been taking senna [Senokot] for several days, and the nurse notes that the urine is yellowish-brown.
What does the nurse know about this symptom?
a.
