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Dulcolax Suppository Administration Guide

This document provides information about the laxative docusate sodium, including its classification, dose, route of administration, time/frequency, peak onset and duration. It describes its mechanism of action to promote softer stool and notes potential contraindications like hypersensitivity or abdominal issues. Nursing implications focus on advising patients that laxatives are only for short term use, encouraging increased fluid/fiber intake, and avoiding straining. The assessment section identifies reasons to hold the medication like abdominal symptoms and evaluates the expected outcome of a soft bowel movement within 2-15 minutes.

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Adrianne Bazo
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2K views1 page

Dulcolax Suppository Administration Guide

This document provides information about the laxative docusate sodium, including its classification, dose, route of administration, time/frequency, peak onset and duration. It describes its mechanism of action to promote softer stool and notes potential contraindications like hypersensitivity or abdominal issues. Nursing implications focus on advising patients that laxatives are only for short term use, encouraging increased fluid/fiber intake, and avoiding straining. The assessment section identifies reasons to hold the medication like abdominal symptoms and evaluates the expected outcome of a soft bowel movement within 2-15 minutes.

Uploaded by

Adrianne Bazo
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency


docusate Dulcolax Stool laxatives 1 unit rectal qd PRN
sodium Softener
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
unknown 2-15 min unknown

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)


(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting in softer Hypersensitivity, Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially
fecal mass, May also promote electrolyte and water secretion when associated with fever or other signs of an acute abdomen,
into the colon Excessive or prolonged use may lead to dependence,
Common side effects
mild cramps

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Advise patients that laxatives should be used only 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 Evaluation


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

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