Exam 31: Medications for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other Gastrointestinal Problems

A patient who has IBS has been taking dicyclomine and reports decreased pain and diarrhea but is now having occasional constipation.The primary care NP should recommend:

A woman with IBS has been taking antispasmodic medications and reports some relief,but she tells the primary care NP that the disease is interfering with her ability to work because of increased pain.The NP should consider prescribing:

A patient who has diabetic gastroparesis sees a gastroenterology specialist who orders metoclopramide (Reglan).Within 24 hours,the patient describes having extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)to the primary care NP.The NP will contact the gastroenterologist and should expect to prescribe:

A woman has severe IBS and takes hyoscyamine sulfate (Levsin),simethicone (Phazyme),and a TCA.She reports having continued severe diarrhea.The primary care NP should:

A patient has been diagnosed with IBS and tells the primary care NP that symptoms of diarrhea and cramping are worsening.The patient asks about possible drug therapy to treat the symptoms.The NP should prescribe:

A patient in the clinic reports frequent episodes of bloating,abdominal pain,and loose stools to the primary care nurse practitioner (NP).An important question the NP should ask about the abdominal pain is:

A patient takes an antispasmodic and an occasional antidiarrheal medication to treat IBS.The patient comes to the clinic and reports having dry mouth,difficulty urinating,and more frequent constipation.The primary care NP notes a heart rate of 92 beats per minute.The NP should:

A patient who has IBS experiences diarrhea,bloating,and pain but does not want to take medication.The primary care NP should recommend: