New Era University

No. 9 Central Avenue, New Era, Quezon City 1107, Philippines

College of Nursing
NCM104-18-Pharmacology
Summer A.Y. 2020-2021

CON 1B GI and Endocrine Disorders

Submitted by:
Iryna Sheene I. Ritualo
Allyza Trixia Villasoto
CON 1B

Submitted to: Prof. Melanie Tapnio

Josephina Engle is a 65-year-old overweight woman who has been experiencing bloating,
excessive flatus, and colicky cramping, especially in the evening and after eating large meals. At
her annual physical, she mentions these symptoms to the nurse, who does the assessment. The
nurse asks a few more questions about constipation, diarrhea, and mucus in the stool. Upon
reviewing the nurse’s assessment findings and upon examination, the healthcare provider (HCP)
suggests a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The HCP prescribes a hydrophilic
colloid (Metamucil) to alleviate constipation, and diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) for
diarrhea.

1. The patient asks the nurse to explain the purpose of Lomotil, and its side effects. What
is the appropriate response for the nurse to give?

-Lomotil is a medication that is being used to treat diarrhea by slowing the movement of the
intestines. In which it makes the frequency of bowel movements to decrease. However, the client that
is taking up this kind of medicine may experience its side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness,
headache, fatigue, blurred vision, dry mouth, and loss of appetite.

2. The patient asks what is in Metamucil and how it works. What is the appropriate
response by the nurse?

-Metamucil is a medicine for constipation since it is considered as a fiber supplement that comes
from Plantago ovata seeds. This medicine is responsible for increasing the bulk in stool of an
individual by absorbing water in stool as well as it becomes a gel-like consistency once it passes
through the digestive tract of the person. Making their stool softer and easier to pass.

3. The patient asks why she will be taking medications for both diarrhea and
constipation. What is the appropriate response by the nurse?

-By reason of, the client is experiencing irritable bowel syndrome which is a common disorder that
affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms of this disorder includes diarrhea and constipation.
Hence, the client needs to take medicine for both constipation and diarrhea to ease their feeling.