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