A patient is concerned about intermittent constipation and is confused about all the laxatives that are available. One of the laxatives that the patient has used in the past was mineral oil

The nurse explains that this type of laxative is an example of a(n) _____ laxative. a. stimulant
b. osmotic agent
c. emollient
d. lubricant


D
Cathartics are classified by the method by which the agent promotes defecation. Stimulant cathartics cause local irritation to the intestinal mucosa, increase intestinal motility, and inhibit reabsorption of water in the large intestine. Saline or osmotic agents contain a salt preparation that the intestines do not absorb. The cathartic draws water into the fecal mass. This osmotic action increases the bulk of the intestinal contents and enhances lubrication. Emollient or wetting agents are detergents and act as stool softeners to lower the surface tension of feces, allowing water and fat to penetrate the fecal material. Bulk-forming cathartics absorb water and increase solid intestinal bulk. The fecal bulk stretches the intestinal walls, stimulating peristalsis. Lubricants soften the fecal mass, thus easing the strain of defecation. The only lubricant laxative available is mineral oil.

Nursing

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The standardized care map that defines nursing care, outcome criteria, and evaluation time frames for specific disorders is known as:

a. Discharge plan. b. Clinical pathway. c. Tertiary care plan. d. Resource utilization plan.

Nursing

A mother confides to the nurse that her live-in boyfriend knocked down her 2-year-old child because he was crying too much. She begs the nurse not to tell anyone because her boyfriend has agreed to take anger management classes

Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse? a. Abide by the mother's wishes because this information was provided in confidence. b. Arrange for counseling for the boyfriend at the earliest possible availability. c. Encourage the mother to take the child and find alternate housing right away. d. Report the incident to child protective services or other appropriate legal authority.

Nursing

When attempting to locate recent lab results, the student notices that each department has a separate section in the client's chart. This type of documentation system is called which of the following?

1. Source-oriented record 2. Problem-oriented record 3. Case management 4. Focus charting

Nursing

Which of the following changes takes place when opioids bind to their mu receptors?

A. Calcium ion channels on presynaptic neurons close. B. Postsynaptic mu receptor binding closes potassium ion channels. C. Calcium ions flow into the cells. D. The release of glutamate increases.

Nursing