Bulk Stimulants

Question 1

Bulk Stimulants Drug Names

Answer 1

Methylcellulose
Polycarbophil
Psyllium

Question 2

Bulk Stimulants Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Increase motility by increasing size of fecal material, which will increase fluid in the GI tract, cause more stretch on GI tract, stimulate local stretch receptors, and activate local GI activity

Question 3

Bulk Stimulants Indications

Answer 3

• increase motility

Question 4

Bulk Stimulants Contraindications and cautions

Answer 4

Contraindications:
• Allergy
• Acute abdominal disorders

Caution:
• Heart block, CAD, debilitation
• Pregnancy and lactation

Question 5

Bulk Stimulants DDI

Answer 5

DDI:

• Other prescribed medications

Question 6

Bulk Stimulants Common Adverse Effects

Answer 6

• GI: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea
• CNS: dizziness, headache, weakness
• Sweating, palpitations, flushing, fainting

Question 7

Bulk Stimulants:

Assessment

Answer 7

Hx: Allergy, lactation and pregnancy
Physical: vital signs, abdominal, fecal assessment or intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal pain, bowel sounds, elimination pattern, nausea or vomiting, neurological status, level of activity (baseline)
Labs: monitor results

Question 8

Bulk Stimulants:

Diagnosis

Answer 8

• Acute pain
• Diarrhea
• Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy

Question 9

Bulk Stimulants:

Implementation

Answer 9

• Administer a laxative only as a temporary measure
• Arrange for appropriate dietary measures, exercise, and environmental controls
• Administer the oral form with a full glass of water and caution the patient not to chew tablets
• Administer bulk laxatives with plenty of water
• Insert rectal suppositories high into the rectum; encourage patients to retain enemas or rectal solution
• Do not administer in the presence of acute abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Monitor bowel function
• Provide comfort and safety measures
• Provide thorough patient teaching

Question 10

Bulk Stimulants:

Evaluation

Answer 10

Response to the drug 
Adverse effects
 Effectiveness of comfort measures
Compliance with regimen
Effectiveness of teaching plan