Chemical Stimulants

Question 1

Chemical Stimulants Drug Names

Answer 1

Bisacodyl
Castor oil
Senna

Question 2

Chemical Stimulants Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Begin working at the beginning of the small intestine and increase motility throughout the rest of the GI tract by irritating the nerve plexus

Question 3

Chemical Stimulants Indications

Answer 3

• Chemically irritate the lining of the GI tract

Question 4

Chemical Stimulants Contraindications and Cautions

Answer 4

Contraindications:
• Allergy
• Acute abdominal disorders

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

Question 5

Chemical Stimulants DDI

Answer 5

DDI:

• Other prescribed medications

Question 6

Chemical Stimulants Adverse Effects

Answer 6

• GI: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea
• CNS: dizziness, headache, weakness
• Sweating, palpitations, flushing, fainting
• Cathartic dependence,
• Castor oil: blocks absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins

Question 7

Chemical Stimulants:

Assessment

Answer 7

Assess:
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

Chemical Stimulants:

Diagnosis

Answer 8

Dx:

• Acute pain: CNS and GI
• Diarrhea: Drug
• Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy

Question 9

Chemical Stimulants

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

Chemical Stimulants:

Evaluation

Answer 10

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