Clayton's Basic Pharmacology for Nurses
UPDATED Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Anti-Diarrheals Mode of action - Correct Answer- Reduce fluid content of the stool and
decrease the peristalsis and motility of the intestinal tract
Anti-Diarrheals Side Effects - Correct Answer- Abdominal pain constipation dizziness,
nausea and vomiting
bismuth subsalicylate (what is it? brand name/considerations) - Correct Answer- Pepto-
Bismol
Contains salicylates (Reyes syndrome)
temporary darkening of stool
Diphenoxylate and atropine sulfate - Correct Answer- Lomotil (Anti-Diarrheal)
loperamide - Correct Answer- Imodium (Anti-Diarrheal)
Kaolin and pectin - Correct Answer- Colace (Anti-Diarrheal)
What are the 3 general types of laxatives (common side effects) - Correct Answer- Bulk-
forming agents
Hyperosmolar or Saline solutions
Stimulant or irritant laxatives
Side effects: Nausea/vomiting/obstruction/hypersensitivity/cramping/diarrhea/electrolytes
Bulk Forming laxatives (action/side effects) - Correct Answer- absorb water and expand
increase bulk and moisture which increases peristalsis and softens stool
Not within 2 hours of other meds
, Psyllium seed - Correct Answer- Metamucil (Bulk-forming laxative)
methylcellulose - Correct Answer- Citrucel (Bulk-forming laxative)
hyperosmolar laxatives (action/side effects/contraindication) - Correct Answer- draw water
into bowel promoting peristalsis
rapid. major dehydration possible
Avoid impaired kidney function, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure
Lactulose - Correct Answer- (hyperosmotic laxative) decreases ammonia levels in patients
with liver problems
Magnesium citrate - Correct Answer- (hyperosmotic laxative) Milk of magnesia
Sodium salts - Correct Answer- (hyperosmotic laxative) Fleet enema
Stimulant or irritant laxatives (when to use/side effects) - Correct Answer- prolonged bed rest
poor diet
constipation due to other drugs
bowel prep (quick)
Side effects: Muscle weekness, cramps, diarrhea, nausea vomiting, electrolyte imbalance
bisacodyl - Correct Answer- Dulcolax (Stimulant laxative)
cascara sagrada - Correct Answer- (Stimulant laxative)
Senna - Correct Answer- (Stimulant laxative) Senokot, Ex-Lax
Lubricant laxative (action/side effects) - Correct Answer- Create a barrier between feces and
colon
prevents water absorption/softens stool
UPDATED Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Anti-Diarrheals Mode of action - Correct Answer- Reduce fluid content of the stool and
decrease the peristalsis and motility of the intestinal tract
Anti-Diarrheals Side Effects - Correct Answer- Abdominal pain constipation dizziness,
nausea and vomiting
bismuth subsalicylate (what is it? brand name/considerations) - Correct Answer- Pepto-
Bismol
Contains salicylates (Reyes syndrome)
temporary darkening of stool
Diphenoxylate and atropine sulfate - Correct Answer- Lomotil (Anti-Diarrheal)
loperamide - Correct Answer- Imodium (Anti-Diarrheal)
Kaolin and pectin - Correct Answer- Colace (Anti-Diarrheal)
What are the 3 general types of laxatives (common side effects) - Correct Answer- Bulk-
forming agents
Hyperosmolar or Saline solutions
Stimulant or irritant laxatives
Side effects: Nausea/vomiting/obstruction/hypersensitivity/cramping/diarrhea/electrolytes
Bulk Forming laxatives (action/side effects) - Correct Answer- absorb water and expand
increase bulk and moisture which increases peristalsis and softens stool
Not within 2 hours of other meds
, Psyllium seed - Correct Answer- Metamucil (Bulk-forming laxative)
methylcellulose - Correct Answer- Citrucel (Bulk-forming laxative)
hyperosmolar laxatives (action/side effects/contraindication) - Correct Answer- draw water
into bowel promoting peristalsis
rapid. major dehydration possible
Avoid impaired kidney function, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure
Lactulose - Correct Answer- (hyperosmotic laxative) decreases ammonia levels in patients
with liver problems
Magnesium citrate - Correct Answer- (hyperosmotic laxative) Milk of magnesia
Sodium salts - Correct Answer- (hyperosmotic laxative) Fleet enema
Stimulant or irritant laxatives (when to use/side effects) - Correct Answer- prolonged bed rest
poor diet
constipation due to other drugs
bowel prep (quick)
Side effects: Muscle weekness, cramps, diarrhea, nausea vomiting, electrolyte imbalance
bisacodyl - Correct Answer- Dulcolax (Stimulant laxative)
cascara sagrada - Correct Answer- (Stimulant laxative)
Senna - Correct Answer- (Stimulant laxative) Senokot, Ex-Lax
Lubricant laxative (action/side effects) - Correct Answer- Create a barrier between feces and
colon
prevents water absorption/softens stool
