Author Question: A patient informs the nurse that she was using laxatives three times daily to lose weight. After ... (Read 141 times)

moongchi · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient informs the nurse that she was using laxatives three times daily to lose weight. After stopping use of the laxative, the patient had difficulty with constipation and wonders if she needs to take laxatives again.

The nurse educates the patient that
a. Long-term laxative use causes the bowel to become less responsive to stimuli, and constipation may occur.
b. Laxatives can cause trauma to the intestinal lining and scarring may result, leading to decreased peristalsis.
c. Natural laxatives such as mineral oil are safer than chemical laxatives for relieving constipation.
d. Laxatives cause the body to become malnourished, so when the patient begins eating again, the body absorbs all of the food, and no waste products are produced.

Question 2

A nurse is assisting a patient in making dietary choices that promote healthy bowel elimination. Which menu option should the nurse recommend?

a. Grape and walnut chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread
b. Broccoli and cheese soup with potato bread
c. Dinner salad topped with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and fat-free dressing
d. Turkey and mashed potatoes with brown gravy

Liddy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Long-term laxative use can lead to constipation. Increasing fluid and fiber intake can help with this problem. Laxatives do not cause scarring. Natural laxatives like mineral oil come with their own set of risks, such as inability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Even if malnourished, the body will produce waste if substance is consumed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A healthy diet for the bowel should include foods high in bulk-forming fiber. Whole grains, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables are excellent sources. Foods without much fiber and with high levels of fat can slow down peristalsis, causing constipation.