Mrs. Griese is concerned about the intermittent constipation that she has and is confused about all the laxatives that are available
Francine is a student nurse who is teaching Mrs. Griese about various cathartics that are available over the counter. One of the laxatives that Mrs. Griese has used in the past is mineral oil. Francine tells her that this type of laxative is known as a(n):
A. stimulant.
B. osmotic agent.
C. emollient.
D. lubricant.
D
Cathartics are classified by the method by which the agent promotes defecation. Stimulant ca-thartics cause local irritation to the intestinal mucosa, increase intestinal motility, and inhibit re-absorption 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 intes-tinal 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 min-eral oil.
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