NAPLEX Constipation & Diarrhea Questions with Correct Answers
(Grade A+)
Question 1: constipation
Answer: <3 BM/wk or difficulty passing stool
Question 2: IBS-C
Answer: chronic idiopathic constipation
Question 3: What are common causes of constipation?
Answer: IBS-C, anal disorders, MS, CVA, Parkinson's, spinal cord tumors, DM, hypothyroidism
Question 4: What are non-drug options to treat constipation?
Answer: increase fluid intake, limit caffeine and alcohol, increase activity, increase fiber intake
Question 5: When should you see a provider for constipation?
Answer: try OTCs x7d, then see provider if not working
Question 6: bulk-forming laxatives
Answer: fiber/psyllium, first line for most, preferred in pregnancy
Question 7: What OTC agent for constipation is preferred in pregnancy?
Answer: fiber/bulk forming laxatives
Question 8: osmotic laxatives
Answer: PEG; pull water into the bowel
Question 9: stimulant laxatives
Answer: senna, bisacodyl; stimulate neurons in colon; often used with opioids
Question 10: Which OTC laxative class is preferred in patients on opioids?
Answer: stimulant laxatives
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, Question 11: stool softeners
Answer: docusate - emollient that allows water and fat to mix with stool; use with stimulants if stool is hard;
use with iron supplements if needed
Question 12: Which OTC laxative class is preferred in patients with constipation due to iron
supplementation?
Answer: stool softeners
Question 13: lubricant laxatives
Answer: mineral oil - coat the bowel and stool
Question 14: What drugs cause constipation?
Answer: antacids, clonidine, colesevelam, anticholinergics, iron, non-DHP CCBs, opioids, sucralfate
Question 15: What OTC laxative can be used for fast relief of constipation?
Answer: adults: bisacodyl or glycerin; children: glycerin suppository
Question 16: Metamucil
Answer: psyllium
Question 17: psyllium
Answer: Metamucil
Question 18: calcium polycarbophil
Answer: FiberCon
Question 19: FiberCon
Answer: calcium polycarbophil
Question 20: Citrucel
Answer: methylcellulose
Question 21: methylcellulose
Answer: Citrucel
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(Grade A+)
Question 1: constipation
Answer: <3 BM/wk or difficulty passing stool
Question 2: IBS-C
Answer: chronic idiopathic constipation
Question 3: What are common causes of constipation?
Answer: IBS-C, anal disorders, MS, CVA, Parkinson's, spinal cord tumors, DM, hypothyroidism
Question 4: What are non-drug options to treat constipation?
Answer: increase fluid intake, limit caffeine and alcohol, increase activity, increase fiber intake
Question 5: When should you see a provider for constipation?
Answer: try OTCs x7d, then see provider if not working
Question 6: bulk-forming laxatives
Answer: fiber/psyllium, first line for most, preferred in pregnancy
Question 7: What OTC agent for constipation is preferred in pregnancy?
Answer: fiber/bulk forming laxatives
Question 8: osmotic laxatives
Answer: PEG; pull water into the bowel
Question 9: stimulant laxatives
Answer: senna, bisacodyl; stimulate neurons in colon; often used with opioids
Question 10: Which OTC laxative class is preferred in patients on opioids?
Answer: stimulant laxatives
Page 1
, Question 11: stool softeners
Answer: docusate - emollient that allows water and fat to mix with stool; use with stimulants if stool is hard;
use with iron supplements if needed
Question 12: Which OTC laxative class is preferred in patients with constipation due to iron
supplementation?
Answer: stool softeners
Question 13: lubricant laxatives
Answer: mineral oil - coat the bowel and stool
Question 14: What drugs cause constipation?
Answer: antacids, clonidine, colesevelam, anticholinergics, iron, non-DHP CCBs, opioids, sucralfate
Question 15: What OTC laxative can be used for fast relief of constipation?
Answer: adults: bisacodyl or glycerin; children: glycerin suppository
Question 16: Metamucil
Answer: psyllium
Question 17: psyllium
Answer: Metamucil
Question 18: calcium polycarbophil
Answer: FiberCon
Question 19: FiberCon
Answer: calcium polycarbophil
Question 20: Citrucel
Answer: methylcellulose
Question 21: methylcellulose
Answer: Citrucel
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