Page 1549 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

must be followed, including
monitoring for serious adverse effects,
reporting them, and immediate
discontinuation of the medication if
they arise.
2. Antidiarrheal medications: See Box 49-7 for a list of
additional medications to treat diarrhea.
XII. Antiemetics (Box 49-5)
A. Medications used to control vomiting and motion sickness
B. The choice of the antiemetic is determined by the cause of the
nausea and vomiting.
C. Monitor vital signs and intake and output and for signs of
dehydration and fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
D. Limit odors in the client’s room when the client is nauseated or
vomiting.
E. Limit oral intake to clear liquids when the client is nauseated or
vomiting.

Antiemetics can cause drowsiness; therefore, a priority intervention is to protect

the client from injury.
XIII. Laxatives (see Box 49-6)
A. Bulk-forming
1. Description
a. Absorb water into the feces and
increase bulk to produce large and soft
stools

b. Contraindicated in bowel

obstruction
c. Dependency can occur with long-term
use.
2. Side and adverse effects include gastrointestinal
disturbances, dehydration, and electrolyte
imbalances.
B. Stimulants: Stimulate motility of large intestine
C. Emollients
1. Inhibit absorption of water so fecal mass remains large
and soft
2. Used to avoid straining
D. Osmotics: Attract water into the large intestine to produce bulk
and stimulate peristalsis

The client receiving a laxative needs to increase fluid intake to prevent

dehydration.
XIV. Medications to Control Diarrhea (see Box 49-7)

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