A patient is ordered bisacodyl (Dulcolax). Before administering the drug, it is most important for the nurse to assess the patient for what?
A.
Hypertension
B.
Anemia
C.
Allergy to penicillin
D.
Appendicitis.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Appendicitis.
Explanation:
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a stimulant laxative commonly used to treat constipation and to prepare the bowel for surgical procedures or diagnostic tests. Before administering this medication, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the patient for signs and symptoms of appendicitis. This is because bisacodyl can increase gastrointestinal motility, which may exacerbate the condition if appendicitis is present.
Appendicitis typically presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain (often starting around the umbilical area and then localizing to the right lower quadrant), nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. If a patient has undiagnosed appendicitis, the use of bisacodyl could lead to complications, such as perforation of the appendix, which can result in peritonitis—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
While hypertension and anemia are important considerations in overall patient health, they are not directly related to the safe administration of bisacodyl. An allergy to penicillin is also irrelevant in this context, as bisacodyl is not a penicillin antibiotic and does not cross-react with penicillin allergies.
In summary, assessing for appendicitis before administering bisacodyl is critical because stimulant laxatives can worsen gastrointestinal conditions, leading to serious complications. The nurse must perform a thorough abdominal assessment, inquire about the patient’s symptoms, and review any pertinent medical history to ensure safe medication administration. If appendicitis is suspected, the nurse should hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation.