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10 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Constipation
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1. Best defined by stool QUALITY (hardness and ease of passage) rather than QUANTITY ( how much and how often). 2. Bristol stool scale 1-2 constipated, 3-4 "ideal" |
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Catharsis
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Quick complete evacuation of the bowels. Usually done pre-surgery as a cleanse of the bowels (poop ain't opaque)
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Laxative
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Produces a more formed stool in a slower gentler manner- attempts to mimic regular bowel movement. Can have cathartic effect if too much is given.
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Why take a lax?
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1. Reduce painfulness of passing stool- if stools are large or constipation is already a problem 2. Reduce straining- especially post op abdominal, and anal/perineal sutures can tear (after a baby) 3. Surgical preparation- especially abdominal surey and colon-/endoscopy 4. Alleviate/ prevent consitpation |
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Bulk-forming agents (Psyllium (Metamucil), Methylcellulose (Citrucel), Dietary fiber) |
1. Form a gel like substance by drawing water in and increase the volume of feces. This encourages contraction and expulsion of fecal matter. 2. Give with lots of water or other fluids. 3. Preferred treatment of temporary constipation |
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Stool softeners/ Sufactants (Docusate calcium (surfak), docusate sodium(Colace)) |
1. Decreases the surface tension of feces making it hold its water better and softening it, this makes it easier to pass. 2. Drink lots of fluids 3. Takes about 3 days to work, often a kick of a laxative is need to get things moving. |
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Lubricants/ Emolients (Mineral oil) |
1. Helpful as an enema before dis-impacting stool 2. Chronic use can cause some vitamins to not get fully absorbed and may cause anal leakage 3. Be very careful with clients that may aspirate- can cause a nasty pneumonia |
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Hydrating agents/ Osmotics (Magnesium Hydroxide(Milk of Magnesia, MOM) Magnesium Citrate Sodium Phosphate (Fleets enema) Glycerin Suppository) |
1. Consist of poorly digesting salts. These drugs work by increasing the water content of stools, through osmosis, which stretches and stimulates the bowel wall. 2. Be sure they are hydrated enough (have enough water on board) for these to work. 3. Do not use in clients with kidney failure (contain lots of MG and Na)! 4. Suppository will work within 90 minutes |
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Polyethylene Glycol (goLYTELY, Miralax) |
1. Contain lots of electrolytes. Isotonic so it should not cause dehydration- 4L preparation make it cold, mix with ice, get flavored version. 2. Used pre-op, cathartic. Call doc if vomitting or can't finish. 3. Miralax is the low dose version that is popular due to its few side effects and lack of taste. |
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Stimulant Laxative (Senna (ex-lax), Bisacodyl (dulcolax), Cascara, Castor oil) |
1. Most advertised, used, and abused! 2. Can cause water and electrolyte imbalances. 3. Should be used for opioid constipation and slow moving bowels. 4. Castor oil is the only one that works on small intestine. |
