Practice Question
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about adverse effects of medications. The nurse should include that which of the following medications can cause constipation? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Opioid narcotics
Rationale:
⭐ Opioid narcotics Opioids slow peristalsis, causing stool to move slowly through the bowel.
⭐ Slowed peristalsis leads to increased water absorption, making stool hard and dry.
⭐ Opioids decrease intestinal secretions, further reducing stool moisture.
⭐ The reduced motility increases the risk of straining and impaction.
⭐ Anticholinergics/antispasmodics Anticholinergics block acetylcholine, which slows gastrointestinal motility.
⭐ Slower motility increases water reabsorption, leading to dry stool.
⭐ They reduce smooth muscle contraction, making defecation more difficult.
⭐ These effects particularly worsen constipation in older adults.
⭐ Iron supplements Iron causes stool to become hard and dense, making passage difficult.
⭐ Iron irritates the intestinal mucosa, slowing movement.
⭐ It commonly leads to dark, firm stools, which are harder to expel.
⭐ Iron is one of the most frequent non-opioid causes of drug-induced constipation.
Magnesium-containing antacids
⭐ Magnesium antacids cause diarrhea, not constipation.
⭐ They increase intestinal motility and water retention in the bowel.
Antibiotics
⭐Antibiotics commonly cause diarrhea due to altered gut flora.
⭐They increase bowel activity rather than slowing it.
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This question is from ATI Custom ASN Pharm NSG1540 Exam 2 for Fall 2025. which contains 55 questions.
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From Exam
ATI Custom ASN Pharm NSG1540 Exam 2 for Fall 2025.
55 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 5