A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a school-age child who has asthma. Which of the following medications should the nurse instruct the child to use to abort an ongoing attack?

A) Stool softener:
Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, work by adding moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They do not directly stimulate bowel movements or peristalsis through irritation of the bowel lining.

B) Saline/osmotic laxative:
Saline or osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), work by drawing water into the intestines, which softens the stool and increases bowel motility. They do not primarily act by irritating the bowel lining.

C) Stimulant laxative.
Stimulant laxatives work by directly stimulating the nerves in the intestines, which increases the rhythmic contractions of the intestines (peristalsis) and promotes bowel movements. These medications irritate the bowel lining, leading to increased motility and expulsion of stool. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl and senna.

D) Bulk-forming laxative:
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium and methylcellulose, work by increasing the bulk and water content of the stool, which stimulates bowel movements. They do not directly irritate the bowel lining to promote peristalsis. Instead, they absorb water and swell in the intestines, creating a larger, softer stool that is easier to pass.

A) The amount of blood pumped by the heart through the circulatory system in 1 minute.
This statement describes cardiac output, which is the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. Cardiac output is not directly related to the process of digestion.

B) Smooth muscle movement of the GI tract by way of contractions.
This statement describes peristalsis, which is the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles in the GI tract that propels food and digestive contents through the digestive system. While peristalsis is an essential aspect of digestion, it does not encompass the entire process.

C) Neutralization by use of bicarbonate from pancreatic and biliary secretions.
This statement describes the role of bicarbonate in neutralizing stomach acid in the small intestine. Bicarbonate is released from pancreatic and biliary secretions to neutralize acidic chyme from the stomach, creating a more favorable environment for digestive enzymes to function. While this is an important aspect of digestion, it does not fully encompass the entire process.

D) It is the process when food is broken down into molecules that can be absorbed.
Digestion refers to the process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This process occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and involves the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are then absorbed across the lining of the GI tract and transported to cells throughout the body for energy, growth, and repair.