Question 1

A client who is experiencing explosive diarrhea asks the nurse what causes the condition.The nurse responds that diarrhea can be a defense mechanism that removes:
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea can be a defense mechanism that removes toxins and pathogens from the body. It is not a mechanism to remove excess stool, water or nutrients.

Question 2

Which statements about bulk-forming laxative drugs are accurate?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Bulk-forming laxatives are contraindicated in certain conditions like undiagnosed abdominal pain or suspected obstruction due to the risk of exacerbating these conditions. They require adequate hydration to prevent esophageal or intestinal obstruction, emphasizing the importance of taking them with plenty of water. Taking the powder form dry can lead to serious complications, including choking or obstruction, hence it should always be mixed with liquid before ingestion. Milk of magnesia is not a bulk-forming laxative; it is an osmotic laxative, making choice D incorrect. Additionally, bulk-forming laxatives do not work immediately; they typically take 12 to 24 hours or more to produce an effect, making choice A incorrect.

Question 3

Several clients are being seen in the emergency department for nausea and vomiting.Which clients are at an increased risk for dehydration and would require pharmacotherapy to treat this condition?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Neonates, toddlers, and older adults are at an increased risk for dehydration due to their smaller body sizes, higher water requirements, or age-related changes that affect their ability to maintain fluid balance. Therefore, pharmacotherapy to treat nausea and vomiting may be necessary to prevent dehydration. The 36-year-old female and 22-year-old male may need treatment for their nausea and vomiting, but they are not necessarily at an increased risk for dehydration based on their age alone.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit.Which clients would the nurse assess as predisposed to constipation?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Older age, a sedentary lifestyle, and decreased food intake are factors that can predispose individuals to constipation.

Question 5

The nurse demonstrates knowledge of the different mechanisms of action of laxatives by stating:

Accepted Answer

Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the bulk and water content of stool, so it is important for the client to consume plenty of water to help with the laxative's action. A is incorrect because stimulant laxatives should not be used regularly or without medical supervision. C is incorrect because the choice of laxative is not necessarily based on the client's straining habits. D is incorrect because saline cathartics typically have a rapid onset of action.

Question 6

A client is being treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.What would the nurse recognize as a contraindication to this therapy?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is derived from porcine pancreas, so a client with a pork allergy would not be able to tolerate this therapy.

Question 7

The most common reason for prescribing antiemetic drugs is:

Accepted Answer

The most common reason for prescribing antiemetic drugs is therapy with antineoplastic drugs. Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer often cause nausea and vomiting, hence antiemetic drugs are necessary to manage these side effects. Antiemetic drugs are also commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy or surgery. While it is true that antiemetic drugs may also be used to treat morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum, these conditions are not as prevalent as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Psychosis is not a common reason for prescribing antiemetic drugs.

Question 8

The definition of chronic constipation commonly used by health care providers may include which symptom?

Accepted Answer

Chronic constipation is often characterized by symptoms such as lumpy, hard stools at least 25% of the time, which is part of the Rome IV criteria used by healthcare providers to diagnose constipation.

Question 9

Several hospitalized clients have an order for a laxative as needed for constipation.To which client would the nurse expect to administer a laxative?

Accepted Answer

A client who has not had a bowel movement in 4 days is experiencing significant constipation and would benefit from a laxative. The other clients either have a more regular pattern of bowel movements or have had a bowel movement more recently, making a laxative unnecessary at this time.

Question 10

The client has been diagnosed as having hyperemesis gravidarum.When would the nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe antiemetics?

Accepted Answer

Antiemetics are typically prescribed after determining that other antinausea methods have been ineffective. This is to ensure that less invasive measures are attempted first before resorting to medication, especially during pregnancy.

Question 11

Which statement correctly explains to a client the origin of the client's constipation?

Accepted Answer

This statement correctly describes the normal process of fluid absorption in the large intestine and how constipation can occur if the stool stays in the large intestine for too long. It also explains how this can result in small, hard stools that are difficult to pass. Option A is incorrect because it suggests relying on laxatives instead of addressing the root cause of constipation. Option B describes diarrhea instead of constipation. Option D is incorrect because constipation is not typically caused by infection.

Question 12

Which statement is true regarding the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines and anticholinergic drugs are commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Option A is incorrect because antiemetic drugs are not indicated for all cases of poisoning or overdose. Option C is incorrect because many medications for nausea and vomiting are available over-the-counter. Option D is incorrect because some antiemetic drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, and their use should be decided on a case-by-case basis with the healthcare provider.

Question 13

The nurse is caring for a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Which drugs would most likely be used to treat this disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antispasmodics are commonly used to relieve abdominal pain and cramping in IBS. Saline cathartics are used for constipation, which is not always a symptom in IBS. Sulfasalazine is used for inflammatory bowel disease, which is a separate condition from IBS. Immunosuppressive agents are not typically used to treat IBS.

Question 14

A client is being treated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).The nurse anticipates receiving orders for which medications?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Loperamide (Imodium) may be used for symptomatic relief of diarrhea associated with IBD, but it is not a disease-modifying medication. Doxepin (Sinequan) is an antidepressant and anxiolytic, not typically used in the treatment of IBD. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is a first-line medication for the treatment of mild to moderate IBD. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that may be used to induce remission or control flares. Azathioprine (Imuran) is an immunomodulator that may be used for maintenance therapy to prevent flares and promote disease remission.

Question 15

A client is being seen in a GI clinic.Which statement by the client suggests a diagnosis of constipation?

Accepted Answer

B) The client's symptoms of pain, bloating, gas, and not having a bowel movement for 4 days suggest constipation. Normal bowel movement frequency can vary greatly, but going longer than three days is often considered constipation.

Question 16

A client with severe diarrhea asks the nurse why so much water is being expelled with each bowel movement.The nurse explains that:

Accepted Answer

Severe diarrhea can be caused by a disruption of the normal absorption and secretion of fluid in the intestines. In this case, the intestines are not reabsorbing sufficient fluid, leading to water being expelled with each bowel movement. This can be due to a variety of causes such as infections, medications or certain medical conditions. Taking a laxative at this time may worsen the diarrhea and is not recommended.

Question 17

The nurse demonstrates an understanding of the different mechanisms of action of laxatives by stating:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse demonstrates an understanding of the...

Question 18

A client complains of passing hard,pellet-like stools for several weeks and asks the nurse what would cause the condition.The nurse explains that constipation has various possible causes,including:
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Decreased dietary fiber, inadequate fluid intake, and a sedentary lifestyle are common causes of constipation. Pathogens and toxins are less common causes of constipation.

Question 19

A client has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).The nurse anticipates that the health care provider may prescribe a drug in which category to treat this disorder?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and prevent complications. The common drugs used in IBD treatment are 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents, immunosuppressive agents, and biologic therapies. Choice A, C, and D are not commonly prescribed for IBD.

Question 20

Which type of laxative,as its mechanism of action,pulls water into the fecal mass to create a more watery stool?

Accepted Answer

Saline cathartics work by drawing water into the bowel, which softens the fecal mass and encourages more frequent bowel movements. This leads to a more watery stool.

Quiz 60: Pharmacotherapy of Bowel Disorders and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions

A client who is experiencing explosive diarrhea asks the nurse what causes the condition.The nurse responds that diarrhea can be a defense mechanism that removes: Select all that apply.

Which statements about bulk-forming laxative drugs are accurate? Select all that apply.

Several clients are being seen in the emergency department for nausea and vomiting.Which clients are at an increased risk for dehydration and would require pharmacotherapy to treat this condition? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit.Which clients would the nurse assess as predisposed to constipation? Select all that apply.