Nursing Application: Antidiarrheals

Samuel has just recovered from the influenza and the diarrhea started the next day. What should the nurse include in her assessment. (Select all that apply.)

*Assess for dehydration *Assess bowel sounds prior to palpation *Ask the guardian about the frequency and consistency of stools

Anticholinergics can cause serious side effects if they are used inappropriately. 1._______________ decreases the therapeutic effect of anticholinergics when it is concurrently administered?

Antacids

What medication is contraindicated in pediatric patients who recently recovered from chickenpox or influenza?​

bismuth subsalicylate (adsorbent)

The health care provider revises the prescribed medication and Samuel receives treatment for several days. ​ Samuel is also diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia and treated with IV antibiotics for several days. Samuel heals well and is ready to be discharged.​ The nurse enters the room to give discharge instructions, instructing the family to contact the health care provider if the diarrhea returns or if fever or abdominal pain occur. ​ Samuel's mom asks why her son was prescribed a probiotic and what it does. What is the best response?​

"Probiotics reestablish the normal bacteria (flora) that is in the intestines. This can be helpful after taking antibiotics."

What patient teaching regarding side effects/adverse reactions should the nurse provide to a patient taking probiotics?

"There are no known side effects or adverse reactions."

What are the goals of antidiarrheal medication treatments? (Select all that apply.)

*Decrease pain associated with abdominal cramps *Decrease stool frequency *Prevent malabsorption and nutritional deficits

Why is diphenoxylate-atropine (Opiate antidiarrheal) not appropriate for Mr. Williams? (Select all that apply.)

*Opiates may cause dependency *Opiates may cause respiratory depression *Recent drug overdose

Drugs are absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream, so antidiarrheal medications can alter this process by either increasing or decreasing the absorption of some drugs. Adsorbents can 1._____________ the absorption of digoxin, hypoglycemic drugs and quinidine. 2.______________ bleeding times occur with warfarin due to adsorbents binding to vitamin K. Decreased anticholinergic antidiarrheal medications effects occur when administered with 3.______________. Opiate antidiarrheal medications can have 4.________________ depressant effects when given with other CNS depressants like alcohol. ​

1. Decrease 2. Increased 3. Antacids 4. Increased

1. Adsorbents 2. Anticholinergics 3. Opiates 4. Probiotics

1. Increased bleeding times occur with warfarin due to this antidiarrheal binding to vitamin K 2. Decreased antidiarrheal medication effects occur when administered with antacids 3. Can increase depressant effects when given with other CNS depressants 4. No known interactions​

What important assessment technique is important prior to antidiarrheal medication administration?​ Drag the correct answer in the box here.

Auscultate the abdomen before you palpate

Due to the age of the patient, the interventions will be focused on educating the child's guardians, with inclusion of the child as appropriate. The medications arrive and the patient is to receive bismuth subsalicylate, an adsorbent antidiarrheal medication. What action should the nurse take prior to medication administration?​

Contact the physician as the medication is contraindicated

Which item describes the main action of probiotics?

Decrease dangerous bacterial overgrowth and increase normal GI flora

Which of the following situations are appropriate or not to receive an antidiarrheal? Drag each situation to the proper column.

Give an antidiarrheal -Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) -Drug overdose -Alcohol overdose Do not give an antidiarrheal -Previous hypersensitivity -Diarrhea associated with a bacterial or parasitic infection -Colitis -Intestinal obstruction -Severe abdominal pain of unknown cause

The following medications have been prescribed for Mr. Williams. Which of the medications is a concern?

Opiate antidiarrheal - diphenoxylate-atropine

Opiate antidiarrheal medications reduce bowel motility and rectal spasms. What should the nurse assess for in patients who are taking this medication?

Respiratory rate

A patient is about to receive an adsorbent antidiarrheal medication. Which of the following is a contraindication?​

Severe abdominal pain of unknown cause