ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 51 : Bowel Disorder Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is discussing the use of adsorbents such as bismuth subsalicylate with a patient who has diarrhea. The nurse will warn the patient about which possible adverse effects?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dark stools and blue gums are two of the possible adverse effects of bismuth subsalicylate. The other adverse effects listed may occur with the use of other antidiarrheal drugs.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who has been on antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks has developed persistent diarrhea. The nurse expects which medication class to be ordered to treat this diarrhea?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Probiotics work by replenishing bacteria that may have been destroyed by antibiotic therapy, thus restoring the balance of normal flora and suppressing the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria.
Question 3 of 5
A patient will be taking bismuth subsalicylate to control diarrhea. When reviewing the patient's other ordered medications, the nurse recognizes that which medication will interact significantly with this drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The oral anticoagulant warfarin is more likely to cause increased bleeding times or bruising when co-administered with adsorbents. This is thought to be because the adsorbents bind to vitamin K, which is needed to make certain clotting factors. Vitamin K is synthesized by the normal bacterial flora in the bowel. The other options are incorrect.
Question 4 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 5 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.