ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 51 : Bowel Disorder Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A laxative has been ordered for a patient. The nurse checks the patient's medical history and would be concerned if which condition is present?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All categories of laxatives share the same general contraindications and precautions, including avoidance in cases of drug allergy and the need for cautious use in the presence of these: acute surgical abdomen; appendicitis symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting; fecal impaction (mineral oil enemas excepted); intestinal obstruction; and undiagnosed abdominal pain. The other options are possible indications for laxatives.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is severely constipated and needs immediate relief. The nurse knows that which class of laxative will provide the most rapid results?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Saline laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide produce a watery stool, usually within 3 to 6 hours of ingestion. Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium do not produce a bowel movement rapidly. Stool softeners such as docusate salts do not cause patients to defecate; they simply soften the stool to ease its passage. Magnesium oxide tablets are used as magnesium supplements, not as laxatives.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is receiving lactulose three times a day. The nurse knows that the patient is not constipated and is receiving this drug for which reason?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lactulose produces a laxative effect but also works to reduce blood ammonia levels by converting ammonia to ammonium. Ammonium is a water-soluble cation that is trapped in the intestines and cannot be reabsorbed into the systemic circulation. This effect has proved helpful in reducing elevated serum ammonia levels in patients with severe liver disease. The other options are incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is taking linaclotide to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The nurse will monitor this patient for which adverse effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Common adverse effects of linaclotide (Linzess) are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Elevated blood glucose levels, chest pain, and chronic constipation are not adverse effects of linaclotide.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer methylnaltrexone. This drug is appropriate for which patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Methylnaltrexone is approved only for terminally ill (hospice) patients who have opioid-induced constipation. The other options are incorrect.