Question

5. K.R. is a 50-year-old patient has been admitted with abdominal pain, and states that she has not had a bowel movement for 4 days. Her abdomen is distended and slightly tender. Which laxative would be appropriate for this patient? Please include your rationale and reference in APA format next to your selected answer (1.5 points)

a. Milk of Magnesia

b. A bulk-forming laxative

c. Mineral oil

d. No laxative should be given at this time

Answer 1

Ans -

a) milk of magnesia :

Milk of magnesia usually relieves constipation within 6 hours of taking it. If a person does not have a bowel movement after using milk of magnesia, they should stop using it and talk to a doctor.Milk of Magnesia reduces stomach acid, and increases water in the intestines which may induce bowel movements. Milk of Magnesia is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Milk of Magnesia is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn.

b)  A bulk-forming laxative :

Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid in the intestines. This creates a bulky, more liquid-like stool that's softer and easier to pass. Common bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).

This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative, has also been used along with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

c)  Mineral oil :

Mineral oil is any of various colorless, odorless, light mixtures of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum,^[1] as distinct from usually edible vegetable oils, white oil, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin, paraffinum liquidum (Latin), and liquid petroleum. Baby oil is a perfumed mineral oil.Most often, mineral oil is a liquid by-product of refining crude oil to make gasoline and other petroleum products. This type of mineral oil is a transparent, colorless oil, composed mainly of alkanes and cycloalkanes, related to petroleum jelly.

Mineral oil is used to treat constipation. It is known as a lubricant laxative. It works by keeping water in the stool and intestines. This helps to soften the stool and also makes it easier for stool to pass through the intestines.

Mineral oil is an occlusive emollient, meaning that it helps to keep your skin hydrated by locking in moisture by forming a barrier on your skin's surface. Based on my research, it's actually considered very safe and rarely causes irritation or an allergic reaction.

There are many prescription and over-the-counter laxatives available to treat constipation. One of these options is mineral oil. Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative. It's been used for many years to make it easier to have a bowel movement, and is generally considered safe and effective.

d) No laxative should be given at this time :

1. Bloody stools.
2. Severe cramps or pain.
3. Weakness or unusual tiredness.
4. Dizziness.
5. Rectal bleeding.
6. Unexplained changes in bowel patterns.
7. Constipation that lasts longer than seven days despite laxative use. Etc. These time should not take the laxative .