The nurse administers psyllium (Metamucil) to a patient who has ...

[Coya19@aol.com]

The nurse administers psyllium (Metamucil) to a patient who has requested a laxative. The nurse should monitor the patient for ____________ and provide ______________ to minimize the effects and risks.
 
  a. nausea and vomiting; an antiemetic
  b. abdominal cramps; a K-pad (warming pad)
  c. esophageal obstruction; 8 ounces of water
  d. watery stools; 30 mL of water

Question 2

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who is status-post right hip open-reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
 
  The patient is taking oxycodone (OxyContin) every 6 hours as needed for pain and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) daily. The nurse discusses obtaining an order from the prescriber for which of the following medications?
  a. GoLYTELY
  b. Lactulose
  c. Docusate sodium (Colace)
  d. Polyethylene glycol (MiraLax)

[Danny Ewald]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Esophageal obstruction can occur if the psyllium is taken without sufficient fluids. It should be administered with a full glass of water or juice to promote passage.
Nausea, vomiting, and watery stools are not associated with psyllium, therefore intervention is unnecessary.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Oxycodone and chlorpheniramine both can be constipating. The patient needs something prophylactically, such as docusate sodium, that can be taken daily to prevent constipation. In addition, the patient's mobility is limited, which can further increase the risk of constipation.
GoLYTELY is not indicated for constipation. It is used for cleansing the bowel prior to diagnostic procedures.
Lactulose is not indicated. It typically is used for reducing ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy.
Polyethylene glycol is indicated for occasional constipation. No information suggests that the patient is constipated.

[Coya19@aol.com]

Thank you!

[Danny Ewald]

Always glad to help...