Author Question: A clinic patient with a history of heart failure requires a laxative for treatment of chronic ... (Read 69 times)

bb · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A clinic patient with a history of heart failure requires a laxative for treatment of chronic constipation. What medication would be most appropriate for this patient?

A) Senna (Senokot)
B) Lactulose (Chronulac)
C) Magnesium sulfate (Milk of Magnesia)
D) Castor oil (Neoloid)

Question 2

The patient has been mechanically ventilated for the past week and is receiving a neuromuscular junction (NMJ) blocker, an analgesic, and a sedative. The goal is to extubate the patient. What medication will the nurse stop administering first?

A) NMJ blocker
B) Sedative
C) Analgesic
D) All three medications will be stopped at the same time.

jlaineee · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Lactulose is often the drug of choice when a patient with cardiovascular problems requires a laxative. It is salt free, an important consideration in patients with heart failure; it acts by exerting a gentle osmotic pull of fluid into the intestinal lumen. Senna, magnesium sulfate, and castor oil are more aggressive laxatives and might not be the best choice for a patient with cardiovascular problems.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
NMJ blockers have no effect on pain perception or consciousness and should not be used without sedation so the NMJ blocker should be removed first. Because the patient has been receiving analgesics for a week, he or she will have to be weaned off them to overcome dependence. Sedatives can be removed more quickly after the NMJ blocker's effects are gone.