A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The nurse anticipates that the patient should receive
a. a stimulant laxative, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax).
b. increased fiber and water to promote defecation.
c. an osmotic laxative, such as magnesium citrate (Citro-mag).
d. nothing; further assessment should be performed, given the patient's symptoms.
D
In patients experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, cramps, and other associated symptoms, further assessment is required. These complaints could be associated with appendicitis, regional enteritis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or an acute surgical condition of the abdomen. Further and more conclusive information is needed.
No information suggests that the patient is constipated and needs a laxative.
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