ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 51 : Bowel Disorder Drugs Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 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 or medication class will interact significantly with this drug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Taking hypoglycemic drugs with an adsorbent such as bismuth subsalicylate may result in decreased absorption of the hypoglycemic drugs. The other options are incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is about to undergo a diagnostic bowel procedure. The nurse expects which drug to be used to induce total cleansing of the bowel?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Polyethylene glycol is a very potent laxative that induces total cleansing of the bowel and is most commonly used before diagnostic or surgical bowel procedures. The other options are incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
While recovering from surgery, an elderly woman started taking a stimulant laxative, senna, to relieve constipation caused by the pain medications. Two weeks later, at her follow-up appointment, she tells the nurse that she likes how 'regular her bowel movements are now that she is taking the laxative.' Which teaching principle is appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Long-term use of laxatives may lead to dependency. Patients need to be taught that daily bowel movements are not necessary for bowel health.
Question 5 of 5
A patient asks the nurse about the difference between diphenoxylate with atropine and the over-the-counter drug loperamide (Imodium). Which response by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although the drug exhibits many characteristics of the opiate class, physical dependence on loperamide has not been reported. All antidiarrheal drugs are orally administered. The other options are incorrect.