A client has been experiencing occasional episodes of constipation and has been unable to achieve consistent relief by increasing physical activity and improving the client's diet. When introducing the client to the use of laxatives, what teaching should the nurse emphasize?

The risk of fecal incontinence

The risk of becoming laxative-dependent

The effect of laxatives on BUN and Creatinine

The underlying causes of constipation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. The risk of fecal incontinence: Fecal incontinence is not a common side effect of occasional or appropriate laxative use. It is more associated with misuse or overuse, especially of stimulant laxatives, but not the primary concern in initial client teaching.

B. The risk of becoming laxative-dependent: Chronic use of laxatives, especially stimulant types, can lead to dependency where the bowel loses its ability to function properly without pharmacologic stimulation. Clients should be taught to use laxatives only as a temporary aid.

C. The effect of laxatives on BUN and Creatinine: Laxatives generally do not directly affect kidney function markers such as BUN and creatinine unless used excessively and cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. This is not a primary point in general laxative education.

D. The underlying causes of constipation: While it's important to consider causes like low fiber intake or decreased mobility, this is part of the broader assessment rather than the key teaching point when initiating laxative use.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Proton-pump inhibitor, an antibiotic, and bismuth salts: This combination is used in quadruple therapy, not triple therapy. Bismuth is typically included when patients fail first-line treatment or have contraindications to standard regimens.

B. Proton-pump inhibitor and two antibiotics: Triple therapy involves a proton-pump inhibitor (like omeprazole or lansoprazole) and two antibiotics, commonly clarithromycin and either amoxicillin or metronidazole. This regimen is designed to eradicate H. pylori and promote ulcer healing.

C. H2-receptor antagonist and two antibiotics: H2-receptor antagonists like ranitidine are not part of the standard triple therapy. They are less effective than PPIs in suppressing gastric acid and are not the preferred first-line treatment with antibiotics.

D. H2-receptor antagonist, proton-pump inhibitor, and an antibiotic: This combination is incorrect for triple therapy. Using both an H2-receptor antagonist and a PPI is redundant and not evidence-based. Triple therapy requires a PPI and two antibiotics, not one.

A. Draws water into the bowel movement by changing pressure within the intestines B. Water and lipids coat the fecal material facilitating a bowel movement C. Stimulates the parasympathetic nerves in the intestines to increase peristalsis to cause a bowel movement D. The medication absorbs liquid and swells to trigger a bowel movement

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Draws water into the bowel movement by changing pressure within the intestines: Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that works by osmosis, drawing water into the intestines. This increases intraluminal pressure and stimulates bowel motility, leading to a bowel movement within hours.

B. Water and lipids coat the fecal material facilitating a bowel movement: This describes the action of stool softeners or lubricants like docusate sodium or mineral oil, not magnesium citrate. These agents reduce surface tension or coat stool to ease passage.

C. Stimulates the parasympathetic nerves in the intestines to increase peristalsis to cause a bowel movement: Stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl or senna work by directly stimulating intestinal nerves. Magnesium citrate does not act via nerve stimulation.

D. The medication absorbs liquid and swells to trigger a bowel movement: This is the mechanism of bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium, which absorb water and swell to stimulate intestinal activity. Magnesium citrate functions through osmotic fluid retention.

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A client has been experiencing occasional episodes of constipation and has been unable to achieve consistent relief by increasing physical activity and improving the client's diet. When introducing the client to the use of laxatives, what teaching should the nurse emphasize?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to discharge a client newly diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. The client's diagnostic test results were positive for H pylori bacteria. The health care provider has ordered the "triple therapy" regimen. Which medications will the nurse educate the client on?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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