Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
A nurse is providing an in-service regarding gastrointestinal (GI) medications. Surfactant laxatives, such as
Correct answer
A, F
Rationale
Correct Answer: A, F
Rationale:
1. Docusate sodium (Choice A) is a surfactant laxative that works by lowering the surface tension of the stool, allowing water to penetrate and soften it for easier passage.
2. Loperamide (Choice F) is an anti-diarrheal agent that slows down gut motility and reduces fluid secretion in the intestines.
3. Choices B, C, E, and G do not fit the description of surfactant laxatives and their mechanisms of action are different from those of docusate sodium and loperamide.
4. Bisacodyl (Choice B) is a stimulant laxative, Polyethylene glycol (Choice C) is an osmotic laxative, morphine (Choice E) is an opioid analgesic, and Metronidazole (Choice D) is an antibiotic with no direct effect on stool softening or diarrhea prevention.
Rationale:
1. Docusate sodium (Choice A) is a surfactant laxative that works by lowering the surface tension of the stool, allowing water to penetrate and soften it for easier passage.
2. Loperamide (Choice F) is an anti-diarrheal agent that slows down gut motility and reduces fluid secretion in the intestines.
3. Choices B, C, E, and G do not fit the description of surfactant laxatives and their mechanisms of action are different from those of docusate sodium and loperamide.
4. Bisacodyl (Choice B) is a stimulant laxative, Polyethylene glycol (Choice C) is an osmotic laxative, morphine (Choice E) is an opioid analgesic, and Metronidazole (Choice D) is an antibiotic with no direct effect on stool softening or diarrhea prevention.