What is the mechanism of action of a stimulant laxative?

Lubricates the intestinal wall and softens stool

Draws water into the bowel to facilitate the passage of feces.

Increases bulk and stimulates peristalsis.

Irritates the intestine directly, promoting peristalsis and evacuation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Lubricates the intestinal wall and softens stool: This describes the action of lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, not stimulant laxatives.

B. Draws water into the bowel to facilitate the passage of feces: This describes osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol or lactulose.

C. Increases bulk and stimulates peristalsis: This describes bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium, which absorb water and increase stool size.

D. Irritates the intestine directly, promoting peristalsis and evacuation: This is the correct mechanism for stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl and senna. They stimulate the nerve endings in the intestinal lining, leading to increased bowel movement activity.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Mexiletine: Mexiletine is a class 1B antiarrhythmic used to treat ventricular arrhythmias, not gastric ulcers.

B. Desmopressin: Desmopressin is a synthetic vasopressin analogue used for conditions like diabetes insipidus, bleeding disorders, and nocturnal enuresis. It is not used to treat Helicobacter pylori infections.

C. Filgrastim: Filgrastim is used to stimulate white blood cell production and is not used in the treatment of H. pylori infections or gastric ulcers.

D. Clarithromycin: Clarithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic as part of a combination therapy to treat H. pylori infections, which are a common cause of gastric ulcers.

A. 1 hour after meals B. 1 hour before meals C. With meals D. With a bedtime snack

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. 1 hour after meals: Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers. It is best absorbed when the stomach is empty, so taking it after meals reduces its effectiveness.

B. 1 hour before meals: Sucralfate should be administered 1 hour before meals to allow it to form a protective barrier in the stomach lining without interference from food.

C. With meals: Taking sucralfate with meals can interfere with its ability to coat the stomach effectively.

D. With a bedtime snack: Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal effectiveness, not with food.

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What is the mechanism of action of a stimulant laxative?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who has a gastric ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori. The nurse should anticipate that in addition to cimetidine and sucralfate, the provider will prescribe which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to administer medications and notes that a patient has sucralfate ordered QID. When is the best time to administer this medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is performing a premedication assessment. For which patient would laxative use be contraindicated?

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving palliative care with opioid-induced constipation. Laxative therapy has been unsuccessful in treating this patient. Which PRN medication should the nurse provide to best alleviate this type of constipation?

Which condition is treated by saliva substitutes?

Which risk is significantly increased in patients diagnosed with liver disease?

Order: Colace 25 mg PO PRN for constipation. Available: Colace 20mg/5ml. How much will the nurse give??

A nurse is caring for a client who has cholelithiasis with bile duct obstruction. The nurse should expect which of the following findings when obtaining the client's urine specimen?

When assisting with the admission of a new resident to a long-term care facility, a nurse notes a current history of peptic ulcer disease. What type of pain should the nurse expect the resident to describe?

A young woman with severe jaundice has an altered body image. The patient says, "Will I always be this horrible color?" What is the best response by the nurse?