The nurse in a long-term care facility is preparing to pass ...

[KWilfred]

The nurse in a long-term care facility is preparing to pass medications to the residents. To which of the following residents should the nurse administer an antidiarrheal? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. An 80-year-old woman with diarrhea of sudden onset that has lasted 3 days
  b. A 76-year-old man with infectious diarrhea
  c. A 92-year-old man with diarrhea secondary to inflammatory bowel disease
  d. A 70-year-old woman with a history of chronic diarrhea from GI surgery
  e. An 88-year-old man that has had two episodes of stress-induced diarrhea

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient taking lactulose to treat chronic constipation. Which adverse effect should the nurse immediately report to the health care provider?
 
  a. Nausea
  b. Abdominal spasms
  c. Flatulence
  d. Abdominal tenderness

[kkenney]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C, D
Diarrhea of sudden onset lasting more than 2 or 3 days can cause significant fluid and water loss; therefore, an antidiarrheal is indicated. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease develop diarrhea. Rapid treatment shortens the course of the incapacitating diarrhea and allows the patient to live a more normal lifestyle. Postoperative GI surgery patients develop diarrhea. These patients may require chronic antidiarrheal therapy to allow adequate absorption of fluids and electrolytes. Antidiarrheals should not be given to patients known to have infectious diarrhea. Two bouts of diarrhea would not indicate a need for an antidiarrheal.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Abdominal tenderness is considered a serious adverse effect and can indicate acute abdomen. Nausea, abdominal spasms, and flatulence are common adverse effects.

[KWilfred]

TY

[kkenney]

You're welcome