Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

When a patient is on around-the-clock opioids, the anticipated need for a stool softener is crucial due to the common side effect of constipation associated with opioid use. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down bowel motility and often leads to hard, dry stools. This makes regular bowel movements difficult, resulting in constipation.

A stool softener helps to ease this process by allowing water to penetrate the stool, making it softer and easier to pass without increasing bowel activity too aggressively. It's a preventive measure that can help manage the side effects of opioids effectively, promoting patient comfort and improving overall medication compliance by reducing one of the discomforts associated with opioid therapy.

While stimulant laxatives and H2 receptor blockers could have roles in different patient scenarios, they are not the primary choice for managing opioid-induced constipation in this context. Stimulant laxatives can sometimes lead to cramping and discomfort, which is not ideal for patients already experiencing opioid-related side effects. H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors serve gastroprotective roles primarily associated with reducing stomach acidity and preventing gastrointestinal bleeding, which is not a direct treatment for constipation caused by opioids. Therefore, the stool softener is the most appropriate intervention in this situation