Laxatives

Question 1

Bulk forming does what

Answer 1

absorbs water

Question 2

Saline and osmotic do what

Answer 2

cathartic

Question 3

Stimulant does what

Answer 3

promotes peristalsis

Question 4

Surfactant does what

Answer 4

softens stool

Question 5

Herbal agents are

Answer 5

self treatment

Question 6

Bulk forming laxative

Answer 6

Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil)

Question 7

Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil) does what?

Answer 7

Prevention and treatment for constipation

Question 8

Adverse effects for Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil)

Answer 8

• Abdominal Cramping

- Fainting

Question 9

Nursing concerns for Psyllium Mucilloid (Metamucil)

Answer 9

• Takes 24-48 hours to work
• Take with plenty of H2O
• Only one you can use for long-term

Question 10

Saline and Osmotic Laxative

Answer 10

Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Make sure completely dissolved in solution

Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax)

Sodium Bisphosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda)

Question 11

Indication for Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax), Sodium Bisphosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda)

Answer 11

• Highly effective for colonoscopy prep and reducing ammonia in liver failure
• Constipation
• Not long term use

Question 12

Adverse effects for Saline & Osmotic Laxatives

Answer 12

Dehydration/Fluid & Electrolyte depletion

Question 13

Nursing concerns for Saline & Osmotic Laxatives

Answer 13

• Drink a lot of H2O because to prevent dehydration
• Takes 1-6 hours to work in high doses
• Stay near toilet

Question 14

Stimulant Laxative

Answer 14

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Castor Oil (emulsoil)

Question 15

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Castor Oil (emulsoil)
is used for

Answer 15

• Often used for bowel prep prior exam or surgery or constipation in general
• Not long term use

Question 16

Adverse effects for Stimulant Laxatives

Answer 16

• Laxative dependent

- Fluid and electrolyte depletion

Question 17

Nursing concerns for Stimulant laxatives

Answer 17

• Takes 6 to 12 by oral OR 1 to 6 hrs by rectal

- Stay near toilet

Question 18

Stool softner/sufactants

Answer 18

Docusate (Colace)

Question 19

Docusate (Colace)

is used for

Answer 19

Often used for prevention NOT treatment for constipation (after surgery, injury and MI)

Question 20

Adverse effects for Docusate (Colace)

Answer 20

Abdominal cramping

Diarrhea

Question 21

Nursing concerns for Docusate (Colace)

Answer 21

Takes 24-48 hours

Question 22

Miscellaneous/Lubricants

Answer 22

Mineral Oil

Question 23

Mineral oil is used for

Answer 23

Constipation

Question 24

Adverse effects for Mineral Oil

Answer 24

• Interferes with fat soluble vitamins (KADE)

- Aspiration Pneumonia

Question 25

Nursing Concerns for Mineral Oil

Answer 25

Takes 24-48 hours

Question 26

Nursing Concerns for ALL laxatives

Answer 26

- Complete History and PE - Last Bowel Movement and GI Functioning - Determine Etiology before administration - Dietary and Lifestyle Education for optimal GI Function - Avoid long term use to prevent dependence