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Docusate Calcium

Docusate is a laxative used to treat constipation. It works by promoting water absorption into the stool to soften it. Common side effects are mild cramps. Long term use can cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence. Nurses should educate patients to only use laxatives short term, increase fiber and fluids, and avoid straining during bowel movements.

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Michael Kuzbyt
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409 views1 page

Docusate Calcium

Docusate is a laxative used to treat constipation. It works by promoting water absorption into the stool to soften it. Common side effects are mild cramps. Long term use can cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence. Nurses should educate patients to only use laxatives short term, increase fiber and fluids, and avoid straining during bowel movements.

Uploaded by

Michael Kuzbyt
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Clinical Medications Worksheets Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency Docusate Sulfolax calcium, ratioLaxatives/

240mg PO TID 0600, 1300, 2200 calcium Docusate Calcium Emollient Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range Unknown 24-48 hr (up to 3-5 Unknown 50-500 mg once daily days) Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or Constipation solutions N/A Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on) (Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting Hypersensitivity. Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, in softer fecal mass, may also promote electrolyte especially when associated with fever or other signs of an and water secretion into the colon. acute abdomen. Excessive or prolonged use may lead to dependence. Common side effects Mild cramps. Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or Lab value alterations caused by medicine herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) None known for this drug None known for this patient Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Advise patients that laxatives should be used only for short-term therapy. Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence. Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as increasing bulk in the diet, increasing fluid intake (6-8 full glasses/day), and increasing mobility. Normal bowel habits are variable and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk. Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining during bowel movements (Valsalva maneuver). Advise patient not to use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is present. Advise patient not to take docusate within 2 hr of other laxatives. Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation (Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving Assess for abdominal distention, presence med? A soft, formed bowel of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of When abdominal pain, nausea, movement. bowel function, Assess color, consistency, vomiting, or fever is present or when and amount of stool produced. client is not constipated.

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