Laxatives

Question 1

What is the primary action of laxatives?

Answer 1

To promote bowel movements.

Question 2

Which type of laxative works by increasing the water content of the stool?

Answer 2

Osmotic laxatives.

Question 3

True or False: Stimulant laxatives work by irritating the intestinal mucosa.

Answer 3

True.

Question 4

Name a common stimulant laxative.

Answer 4

Bisacodyl.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action for bulk-forming laxatives?

Answer 5

They absorb water and increase the bulk of the stool.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: ________ laxatives are typically considered the safest and most effective long-term solution for constipation.

Answer 6

Bulk-forming.

Question 7

What are the potential adverse effects of laxative use?

Answer 7

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and dependence.

Question 8

Name a common osmotic laxative.

Answer 8

Polyethylene glycol.

Question 9

True or False: Laxatives can lead to dependency if used regularly.

Answer 9

True.

Question 10

What should be monitored in patients taking laxatives?

Answer 10

Electrolyte levels and hydration status.

Question 11

Which laxative is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction?

Answer 11

Stimulant laxatives.

Question 12

What is the recommended route of administration for most oral laxatives?

Answer 12

Orally.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Laxatives should be used with caution in patients with ________ disease.

Answer 13

Renal.

Question 14

True or False: Laxatives can be used for bowel preparation before medical procedures.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

What is a common adverse effect of osmotic laxatives?

Answer 15

Bloating and cramping.

Question 16

Name a common saline laxative.

Answer 16

Magnesium hydroxide.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: ________ laxatives act by drawing water into the intestines.

Answer 17

Osmotic.

Question 18

What is the onset time for stimulant laxatives?

Answer 18

6 to 12 hours.

Question 19

Which laxative type is typically recommended for chronic constipation?

Answer 19

Bulk-forming laxatives.

Question 20

What should patients be advised to increase when taking laxatives?

Answer 20

Fluid intake.

Question 21

True or False: Laxatives can interact with other medications.

Answer 21

True.

Question 22

What is the primary action of emollient laxatives?

Answer 22

To soften the stool.

Question 23

Name an example of an emollient laxative.

Answer 23

Docusate sodium.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Laxatives are contraindicated in patients with ________ bowel syndrome.

Answer 24

Irritable.

Question 25

What is the usual duration of laxative therapy recommended?

Answer 25

Short-term use.

Question 26

Which laxative requires a prescription?

Answer 26

Lubiprostone.

Question 27

True or False: Overuse of laxatives can lead to a decrease in bowel function.

Answer 27

True.

Question 28

What is the main concern with using stimulant laxatives long-term?

Answer 28

Risk of dependency.

Question 29

Which laxative is known for its rapid action?

Answer 29

Saline laxatives.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: Laxatives should not be used to treat ________.

Answer 30

Obesity.

Question 31

What is the action of fiber supplements as a laxative?

Answer 31

To increase stool bulk.

Question 32

Which laxative can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially in the elderly?

Answer 32

Osmotic laxatives.

Question 33

True or False: Laxatives can be safely used during pregnancy.

Answer 33

False; consult a doctor first.

Question 34

What is the effect of laxatives on bowel transit time?

Answer 34

They decrease bowel transit time.

Question 35

Name a drug interaction that can occur with laxatives.

Answer 35

Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of certain laxatives.

Question 36

What is the primary nursing consideration when administering laxatives?

Answer 36

Assess bowel habits and history of constipation.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: ________ laxatives are often used for short-term relief of constipation.

Answer 37

Stimulant.

Question 38

What is the preferred laxative for patients with hemorrhoids?

Answer 38

Emollient laxatives.

Question 39

True or False: Laxatives can be given rectally.

Answer 39

True.

Question 40

What is the action of stimulant laxatives?

Answer 40

To stimulate peristalsis.

Question 41

Name a contraindication for laxative use.

Answer 41

Nausea and vomiting.

Question 42

What type of laxative is often used in bowel preparation for surgery?

Answer 42

Osmotic laxatives.

Question 43

Fill in the blank: Laxatives should be taken with ________ to prevent dehydration.

Answer 43

Water.

Question 44

What is a common side effect of using laxatives excessively?

Answer 44

Diarrhea.

Question 45

True or False: Laxatives can be addictive.

Answer 45

True.

Question 46

What is the recommended action if a patient does not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative?

Answer 46

Consult a healthcare provider.

Question 47

What is the role of nursing in laxative administration?

Answer 47

Educate patients on proper use and monitor for side effects.

Question 48

Name a factor that can influence laxative effectiveness.

Answer 48

Dietary fiber intake.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: Laxatives can cause ________ if taken inappropriately.

Answer 49

Dehydration.