ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 51 : Bowel Disorder Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been treated with alosetron for severe irritable bowel syndrome for 2 weeks. She calls the clinic and tells the nurse that she has been experiencing constipation for 3 days. The nurse will take which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alosetron must be discontinued immediately if constipation or signs of ischemic colitis occur. The other options are incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the uses of oral laxatives. Which conditions are general contraindications to or cautions about the use of oral laxatives? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B,C,D,F
Rationale: Cautious use of laxatives is recommended in the presence of these: acute surgical abdomen; appendicitis symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting; intestinal obstruction; and undiagnosed abdominal pain. Oral laxatives must not be used with fecal impaction; mineral oil enemas are indicated for fecal impaction. The other options are indications for other laxative use.
Question 3 of 5
A patient will be receiving docusate sodium, 120 mg/day PO, divided into 3 doses. Identify how many milligrams will this patient receive per dose.
Correct Answer: 40 mg
Rationale: 120 mg/day ?· 3 doses/day = 40 mg.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is giving oral mineral oil as an ordered laxative dose. The nurse will take measures to prevent which potential problem that may occur with mineral oil?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lipid pneumonia may occur if the oral mineral oil is accidentally aspirated into the respiratory tract. The other options are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
When administering a bulk-forming laxative, the nurse instructs the patient to drink the medication mixed in a full 8-ounce glass of water. Which statement best explains the rationale for this instruction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bulk-forming drugs increase water absorption, which results in greater total volume (bulk) of the intestinal contents. Bulk-forming laxatives tend to produce normal, formed stools. Their action is limited to the gastrointestinal tract, so there are few, if any, systemic effects. However, they need to be taken with liberal amounts of water to prevent esophageal obstruction and/or fecal impaction.