Dulcolax Stool Softener

NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets (You will need to make additional copies of these forms) Generic Name Trade Name docusate Dulcolax sodium Stool Softener Peak Onset Unknown 2-15 min

Classification Dose Route Time/frequency Laxatives, stool 1 Rect. Q D PRN softeners Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or Unknown solutions

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) Constipation, Prevention of constipation, Used as enema to stoften fecal impaction. Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting in softer fecal mass. May also promote electrolyte and water secretion into stool, resulting in softer fecal mass. May also promote electrolyte and water secretion into the colon. Softening and passage of stool.

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity. Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially when associated with fever or other signs of an acute abdomen. Excessive or prolonged use may lead to dependence. Common side effects - Mild cramps, throat irritation, rashes

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) None significant.

Lab value alterations caused by medicine None known.

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication - 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 Why would you hold or Evaluation Check after (Pre-administration assessment) - Assess for not give this med? - When abdominal giving - A soft, formed abdominal distention, presence of bowel pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is bowel movement. Rectal sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function, present or when client is not dose forms produce results Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool constipated. within 2-15 min. produced.