The client is taking medications to promote defecation. Which of the f

The client is taking medications to promote defecation. Which of the following instructions should be included by the nurse in the teaching plan for this client?

1. Increased laxative use often causes hyperkalemia.
2. Salt tablets should be taken to increase the solute concentration of the extracellu-lar fluid.
3. Emollient solutions may increase the amount of water secreted into the bowel.
4. Bulk-forming additives may turn the urine pink.

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Emollient solutions are stool softeners that may increase the amount of water secreted into the bowel. Laxative overuse can cause serious diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and hypokale-mia. Salt tablets should not be taken to increase the solute concentration of extracellular fluid. Bulk-forming additives do not turn the urine pink. Phenolphthalein or danthron stimulant cathar-tics (e.g., Doxidan, Correctol, Ex-Lax) may cause pink or red urine.