A client is prescribed magnesium citrate. What is the mechanism of action for the medication?

Draws water into the bowel movement by changing pressure within the intestines

Water and lipids coat the fecal material facilitating a bowel movement

Stimulates the parasympathetic nerves in the intestines to increase peristalsis to cause a bowel movement

The medication absorbs liquid and swells to trigger a bowel movement

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "It directly stimulates prostaglandin E1 receptors to help protect the stomach” Prostaglandin analogs like misoprostol work by stimulating prostaglandin receptors. Bismuth’s action is more antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, not receptor-based.

B. "It decreases flow of fluids into bowel, reduces inflammation, and may kill the organism causing diarrhea.” Bismuth subsalicylate has multiple effects: it reduces intestinal secretions, has anti-inflammatory properties due to its salicylate component, and possesses antimicrobial activity, especially against H. pylori and other diarrheal pathogens.

C. "It coats the stomach and aids in the healing of the stomach lining.” While bismuth does provide a mild protective effect, it is not primarily a mucosal-coating agent. Sucralfate is more effective for mucosal coating and ulcer protection than bismuth subsalicylate.

D. "It inhibits the proton pump in the stomach which generates gastric acid.” This describes the mechanism of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole. Bismuth subsalicylate does not block acid production at the cellular level.

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Draws water into the bowel movement by changing pressure within the intestines: Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol or lactulose, work by pulling water into the intestines through osmosis, not by softening stool through surfactant action like docusate.

B. Acts on the nerves in the intestines to increase peristalsis to cause a bowel movement: This is the mechanism of stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl or senna. These medications stimulate intestinal nerve endings, unlike docusate which softens stool without affecting nerve activity.

C. Coats the fecal material with water and lipids facilitating a bowel movement: Docusate sodium is a stool softener that reduces the surface tension of stool, allowing water and fats to penetrate and mix with the fecal mass, making it easier to pass without straining.

D. The medication absorbs liquid and swells to trigger a bowel movement: This describes bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium, which absorb water and expand in the intestines to stimulate peristalsis. Docusate does not have this swelling or bulking action.

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A client is prescribed magnesium citrate. What is the mechanism of action for the medication?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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