A client realizes that regular use of laxatives has greatly improved his bowel pattern. However, the nurse cautions this client against the prolonged use of laxatives for which reason?
A) The client may develop inflammatory bowel disease.
B) The client may develop arthritis or arthralgia.
C) The client's natural bowel function may become sluggish.
D) The client may lose his appetite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to dependence on them and can cause the natural bowel function to become sluggish. This means that the client may become reliant on laxatives to have a bowel movement and may not be able to have a bowel movement without them. It is important to encourage clients to use other methods to improve bowel health, such as increasing fiber and fluid intake and exercising regularly, instead of relying solely on laxatives. The other answer choices (A, B, and D) are not accurate effects of prolonged laxative use.

A Client Realizes That Regular Use of Laxatives Has Greatly