Immobility 2 Flashcards
Effects on Gl System ?
Constipation: (decreased peristalsis,
inadequate hydration, diet)
Increased use of Valsalva Manoeuvre:
(a forced expiratory effort against a
closed glottis that increases intra-thoracic pressure, hampering venous return to the heart)
Assessments/Interventions: GI System?
Monitor food intake and elimination patterns
Assess bowel sounds, abdominal assessment (Health assessment)
Diet HIGH in fiber, fruits and vegetables
Avoid narcotics (increase constipation)
Laxatives /enema
Types of laxatives?
Bulk-forming laxatives Surfactant laxatives Stimulant laxatives Osmotic laxatives Miscellaneous Laxatives
What is the reason for laxatives?
Soften stool
Increase stool volume
Increase speed of movement of chyme (semi-fluid mass of partly digested food expelled by the stomach into the duodenum) through the intestine
Facilitate the evacuation of stool from the rectum
Bulk Forming Laxatives?
Psylium (Metamucil)
Action: Absorbs water , thereby softening and enlarging the fecal mass; fecal swelling promotes peristalsis. Works in the small &large intestine, produces a soft stool in 1-3 days
Candy has had surgery for Crohn’s disease, and is aware of the signs of intestinal obstruction. She feels bloated, is constipated and is passing a small amount of gas. She is experiencing abdominal discomfort.
Should she take Metamucil to relieve the constipation ? Her friend, who has irritable bowel says it works for her .
no. contraindication of bowel obstruction. pt must pass gas and have bowel sounds to take a laxative
Surfactant Laxatives/ stool softners?
Docusate sodium (Colace)
Surfactant action softens the stool by facilitating penetration of water; also causes secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestine. Works in the small & large intestine; produces soft stool in 1-3 days.
lubricates bowel by adding water
Mr Kay is in the Coronary care unit. He was admitted for a Myocardial Infarction. He had been prescribed Colace 100 mg po, bid. He stated at home he was using Metamucil. Should he change the laxative to Colace and why?
yes, due to heart attack, pt should avoid straining. stool will pass with ease
Stimulant Laxatives?
used less; causes liquid stool, more electrolytes are lost
Bisacodyl (Ducolax)
Stimulates peristalsis and softens feces by increasing secretion of water & electrolytes into the colon, and decreasing water and electrolyte absorption. Produces semifluid stool in 6-12 hrs.
Dr. Dee has the suspicion that Angela is abusing stimulant laxatives as a measure to keep her weight in check. What assessments would you perform as a nurse ?
- hydration of skin for s+s of dehydration, MM
- verify weight and log it
- verify BP + orthostatic hypotension
- PO intake + elimination
- question and attempt to build relationship with pt, build up their self-esteem
- note clothes (will usually wear big clothes to hide wt loss)
- colonoscopy will rule out laxative abuse
- blood test to check electrolyte levels
Osmotic Laxatives?
(high risk; renal function is mandatory)
causes dehydration
Magnesium hydroxide (MOM)
Consists of a solution of poorly absorbed salts whose osmotic action draws water into the intestinal lumen & thereby softens the stool ; fecal swelling promotes peristalsis. Works on small & large intestine; produces semifluid stool in 6-12 hrs.
Coady has a mental health problem, and his treatment involves regular use of an antipsychotic medication that has the side effect of constipation. What must be assessed before Coady can take MOM?
kidney function (Mg can only be excreted by kidneys)
Miscellaneous Laxative?
strong laxative, used when other’s don’t work
Lactulose ( cephula)
Actions: Prevents absorption of ammonia in the colon by acidifying the stool; increases water, softens stool. Produces a soft stool in 1-3 days.
used mostly for sclerosis pt’s
Mary is constipated, she should be experiencing her menstrual period tomorrow , and is complaining of abdominal cramps. She requests a laxative for her constipation. Would you suggest lactulose ?`
no, causes severe cramping.
What are enemas?
Invasive method to evacuate feces
Usually administered after nutritional and/or laxative therapy failed
Commercially prepared low volume hypertonic solutions (fleet enema)
Cleansing enemas (prepared on the unit, up to 1000ml liquid, causes distension and stimulates defecation)
Position for enemas?
left-lateral and knee-chest
