Nurs 615 Adv Pharm Exam 4/ Updated
2024-2025
Classes of medications for constipation - CORRECT ANSWERS-bulking agents,
osmotic, stimulants, and emollients
Bulking agents: meds, use, MOA, onset/absorption, SE - CORRECT ANSWERS-
methylcellulose (Citrucel)
psyllium (Metamucil)
long term mgmt. of constipation and chronic watery diarrhea.
absorbs excess water which leads to softened stool, stimulates normal bowel function,
increased peristalsis, and decreased transit time
onset 12 hrs., not absorbed from GI tract
bloating, flatulence, drug interactions: decreased absorption of warfarin (Coumadin),
aspirin, and digoxin
How do bulking agents help with constipation and diarrhea? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
forms bulk in the stool
osmotic - meds, use, MOA, SE - CORRECT ANSWERS-polyethylene glycol (PEG
3350)
magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Mag)
magnesium citrate
polystyrene glycol (GoLytely)
overnight laxative or to completely evacuate the colon
holds water in stool to soften and increase the number of BM/draws water into intestines
and causes peristalsis
N
How fast does an osmotic produce stool? - CORRECT ANSWERS-watery stool in 4-6
hours
Is polyethylene glycol safe for kids? - CORRECT ANSWERS-yes
stimulants - meds, use, MOA, SE - CORRECT ANSWERS-bisocodyl (Ducolax)
Senna (Exalux)
, caster oil
cascara
constipation associated with prolonged bed rest, meds (Like chronic opioids), and as
bowel prep for surgery and other procedures.
encourages BM by acting on the interstinal wall to increase fluids and electrolytes within
the intestinal lumen which leads to the release of cAMP and prostaglandins, increased
peristalsis
cramping, NV
How long can stimulants be used? - CORRECT ANSWERS-short term. long term can
lead to dependence.
emollients (stool softeners) - meds, use, MOA, SE - CORRECT ANSWERS-docusate
(Colace) - sodium, calcium, potassium
prevents constipation
enables additional water and fats to be incorporated into stool - leads to decreased
surface tension - leads to easier passage thru GI tract
diarrhea, mild cramps
How long can emollients be used? - CORRECT ANSWERS-short term. Prolonged use
leads to dependence
classes of diuretics - CORRECT ANSWERS-loop, thiazide, potassium sparing
loop diuretics - meds, MOA - CORRECT ANSWERS-furosemide, bumetanide,
torsemide
inhibits sodium reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle
thiazide diuretics meds, MOA - CORRECT ANSWERS-hydrochlorothiazide,
chlorthalidone, indapromide, metolazone
inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal renal tubule
potassium sparing diuretics meds, MOA - CORRECT ANSWERS-spironolactone,
amiloride
inhibits potassium excretion
