Question

a nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for docusate sodium about the medications mechanism of action. which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

docusate sodium reduces the surface tension of the stools to change their consistency.
docusate sodium causes rectal contractions.
docusate sodium acts as a fiber agent, increasing bulk in the intestines.
docusate sodium stimulates the motility of the intestines.

Explanation:

Identify the drug and target question

The question asks for the mechanism of action of docusate sodium that a nurse should include in patient teaching.

Analyze the mechanism of docusate sodium

Docusate sodium is a surfactant laxative (stool softener). It works by lowering the surface tension of the stool, allowing water and lipids to penetrate the fecal mass. This process softens the stool and makes it easier to passage.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "Docusate sodium reduces the surface tension of the stools to change their consistency." This matches the surfactant mechanism of action.
• Option 2: "Docusate sodium causes rectal contractions." This describes a stimulant effect or local suppository action, not docusate.
• Option 3: "Docusate sodium acts as a fiber agent, increasing bulk in the intestines." This describes bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium).
• Option 4: "Docusate sodium stimulates the motility of the intestines." This describes stimulant laxatives (e.g., senna, bisacodyl).

Connect to clinical knowledge

Using the Pharmacotherapeutics knowledge point, selecting the correct mechanism of action is vital for patient education to ensure proper expectations (e.g., stool softeners prevent straining but do not immediately stimulate a bowel movement). Therefore, the first option is correct.

Answer:

• (A) Docusate sodium reduces the surface tension of the stools to change their consistency. (Correct answer)
• (B) Docusate sodium causes rectal contractions.
• (C) Docusate sodium acts as a fiber agent, increasing bulk in the intestines.
• (D) Docusate sodium stimulates the motility of the intestines.