The nurse is preparing to administer magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) per a patient's request for a laxative. The patient asks the nurse how this medication works
Which of the following would be a correct statement by the nurse?
a. "It draws water into the colon to soften the feces."
b. "It lubricates the passage of stool."
c. "It increases bulk in the colon."
d. "It stimulates the nerves that regulate defecation."
ANS: A
Osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide, work by drawing water into the intestinal lumen. Accumulation of water causes the fecal mass to soften and swell, stretching the intestinal wall and stimulating peristalsis.
Osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide, do not lubricate the passage of stool, increase bulk in the colon, or stimulate nerves that regulate defecation.
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