What it means
Laxatives work in different ways: bulk-forming types (psyllium) add fiber and water, stool softeners (docusate) let water into the stool, osmotic types (polyethylene glycol, lactulose, milk of magnesia) draw water into the bowel, and stimulant types (senna, bisacodyl) make the bowel muscles push. They are given for constipationkon-stih-PAY-shunBowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.Full entry , with opioids, and to clean out the bowel before tests.
For the nurse
Ask about bowel habits and check bowel sounds; do not give a laxative to a client with belly pain of unknown cause or signs of a bowel blockage. Bulk-forming laxatives need a full glass of water. Teach that long-term stimulant use can make the bowel depend on them, and that fluid, fiber and activity help.
At a glance
| Spanish | laxante |
|---|---|
| Also written | laxatives, cathartic, cathartics |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.