Test 2 - Laxatives (Josh) Flashcards
Constipation is determined more by stool —– than by —— of BM’s
consistency (hardness)
frequence of BM’s
Common causes of constipation:
- decrease in fiber and fluid
- dysfunction in ANS
- meds (anticholinergics, opioids, verapamil)
Which neurological disease can cause constipation?
Hirschsprung’s Disease
Laxative overuse can lead to which adverse effects?
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalances
- loss of normal defecation reflex (ie: you will now depend on laxative to have a BM)
Rank the laxatives from mild to strong:
- Stool softeners
- Osmotic laxatives
- Stimulant laxatives
- Bowel preparation
Most common stool softener is ——
docusate sodium
Which laxative is similar to soap?
docusate sodium (stool softener)
has two lipophilic ends and a hydrophilic center, that works like a laundry detergent mixing into the stool and softening it up
After taking docusate sodium, the client should expect a BM in ——
several days (it’s very mild)
doesn’t make you poop, just softens it up
Client teaching for docusate sodium.
- take w/ a full glass of water (b/c of the soap thing)
- wait a few days
What is docusate sodium used for?
- clients taking opioids (ex: morphine)
- clients needing to avoid straining (ex: hemorrhoids, CV issues [prevent vagal response], episiotomy)
Which laxative would we give to Cousin Eddie to relieve his hemorrhoids?
docusate sodium (stool softener)
also for Elvis (vagal response) and new moms (episiotomy)
PEG 3350 is an example of which type of laxative?
Osmotic Laxative
works by pulling water into the GI tract
Miralax is —-
PEG 3350 (Osmotic Laxative)
Which laxative will increase the size of the stool while softening it?
PEG 3350 (Osmotic Laxative)
works by pulling water into the GI tract, softening up the turd)
Why does the unique MOA of PEG 3350 work?
Osmotic Laxative that pulls water into GI tract
it both softens the turd (with the excess water) and also uses that excess water to stretch the intestines, stimulating peristalsis
