A patient was started on Bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative, one day ago and is reporting mild abdominal cramping soon after taking the medication. Which statement made by the nurse reflects an appropriate response to this patient?
"That doesn't sound all that bad. Take some acetaminophen to treat the pain and continue with the medication”
“This is an unexpected side effect of the medication. Stop the medication immediately and find another medication for your constipation”
"This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention."
"This is an expected side effect of the medication, if it becomes intolerable, stop the medication and see your provider."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "That doesn't sound all that bad. Take some acetaminophen to treat the pain and continue with the medication": While mild cramping is common with stimulant laxatives, dismissing the patient’s discomfort and suggesting acetaminophen may not address the underlying cause. Education about expected effects and monitoring is safer.
B. “This is an unexpected side effect of the medication. Stop the medication immediately and find another medication for your constipation”: Mild abdominal cramping is a known and expected effect of bisacodyl. Stopping the medication immediately is unnecessary unless the cramping is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. "This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention.": Mild cramping alone is not indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. Signs of GI bleeding include black, tarry stools or bloody stools, which are not reported here. Immediate medical attention is not required for mild cramping.
D. "This is an expected side effect of the medication, if it becomes intolerable, stop the medication and see your provider.": Mild abdominal cramping is a common response to stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl. Educating the patient that it is expected while advising to report severe or persistent symptoms promotes safe use and patient understanding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Becomes part of hemoglobin and myoglobin to help carry and store oxygen throughout the body: Ferrous sulfate provides elemental iron, which is incorporated into hemoglobin and myoglobin. This increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and improves tissue oxygenation, directly addressing iron deficiency anemia.
B. Increases heart rate and blood pressure: Ferrous sulfate does not have a direct effect on heart rate or blood pressure. Any changes in cardiovascular function are typically secondary to correction of anemia, not a pharmacologic action of the drug itself.
C. Promotes calcium absorption in the bones: Calcium absorption is not influenced by iron supplementation. Ferrous sulfate specifically targets hemoglobin and iron stores, not bone metabolism.
D. Enhances glucose metabolism: Iron supplementation does not affect glucose metabolism. Its therapeutic effect is limited to restoring iron levels and improving oxygen transport in the body.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metabolism is affected by aging in the form of decreased kidney and liver function:In older adults, liver enzyme activity and renal clearance often decline, which can slow drug metabolism and excretion. This increases the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity, making dose adjustments and careful monitoring essential when administering new medications.
B. Bedtime of the patient:The patient’s bedtime may affect adherence or convenience but does not directly impact metabolism or excretion. Timing related to sleep is not the priority when considering age-related pharmacokinetics.
C. Time of day for administering the medication:While timing may influence therapeutic effect for some drugs, it is less critical than considering how aging affects drug metabolism and elimination. Pharmacokinetic changes take precedence in older adults.
D. Generic vs. brand name:The choice between generic and brand name may affect cost or patient preference but does not impact the body’s metabolism of the drug. Age-related organ function remains the key consideration.
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