When an elderly diabetic patient is constipated the best treatment options include:
- Mineral oil
- Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium
- Stimulant laxatives such as senna
- Stool softeners such as docusate
Full Answer
What are the treatment options for constipation in the elderly?
Feb 03, 2016 · When an elderly diabetic patient is constipated the best treatment options include: asked Feb 3, 2016 in Nursing by SundayCandy. 1. Mineral oil. 2. Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium. 3. Stimulant laxatives such as senna. 4.
Should laxatives be prescribed to diabetes patients with chronic constipation?
Sep 06, 2021 · When an elderly diabetic patient is constipated the best treatment options include: 1)Mineral oil 2)Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium 3)Stimulant laxatives such as senna 4)Stool softeners such as docusate
What is the primary aim of intervention in diabetic patients with constipation?
Aug 09, 2010 · Treatment algorithm for the management of chronic constipation in the elderly. Fluid intake and exercise, caloric intake and timed toilet training Although useful, there is little evidence to support maintenance of adequate hydration and regular nonstrenuous exercise in the management of constipation.
Who manages constipation in the elderly?
Lactulose, polyethylene glycol and lactitol are the most frequently prescribed osmotic agents. Lactulose has a prebiotic effect and a carry-over effect (continued laxative effect for at least 6 to 7 days, post cessation of treatment). Stimulants such as bisacodyl, sodium picosulphate and senna are indicated if osmotic laxatives are not effective.
What do principles of prescribing for older adults include?
These include avoidance of inappropriate medications, appropriate use of indicated medications, monitoring for side effects and drug levels, avoidance of drug-drug interactions, and involvement of the patient and integration of patient values [17].Apr 26, 2021
What are the most commonly prescribed meds for elderly patients?
The 10 Most Prescribed Medications for the Elderly and What they...Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone, which is often blended with acetaminophen, is a pain medication often sold under the brand names Lorcet, Norco, and Vicodin. ... Simvastatin. ... Lisinopril. ... Levothyroxine. ... Amlodipine Besylate. ... Omeprazole. ... Azithromycin. ... Metformin.More items...•Feb 8, 2019
What is the most common medication problem in the elderly?
Drug-related problems are common in older adults and include drug ineffectiveness, adverse drug effects, overdosage, underdosage, inappropriate treatment, inadequate monitoring, nonadherence, and drug interactions. (See also Overview of Drug Therapy in Older Adults.
Which of the following psychotropic medications would be preferred in the elderly due to its low anticholinergic and sedation effect?
In elderly patients, it is better to use tricyclic antidepressants that cause less severe anticholinergic effects and orthostatic hypotension, such as nortriptyline and desipramine (Norpramin).Mar 1, 2000
What is lisinopril used for?
Descriptions. Lisinopril is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.Feb 1, 2022
What is the best pain medication for the elderly?
For most seniors, the safest over-the-counter painkiller is acetaminophen (like Tylenol). However, older adults must NOT take more than 3000 mg of acetaminophen in one day. In high doses, acetaminophen can cause serious or fatal liver damage.
What drug should be avoided in geriatric patients?
AVOID Certain Anticholinergic DrugsAntidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil)Anti-Parkinson drug trihexyphenidyl (Artane)Irritable bowel syndrome drug dicyclomine (Bentyl)
What can you do to help the older adult prevent medication errors?
Other strategies may be used to prevent medication errors in older adults during various points in the medication use system, including:Patient demographic and clinical information.Prescribing.Order communication and transcribing.Dispensing.Administering.Patient education.Monitoring.
Can elderly take Cipro?
However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or heart problems, or develop severe tendon problems (including tendon rupture), which may require caution in patients receiving ciprofloxacin.
What considerations must a physician take into account when prescribing medication to elderly patients?
Box 1 Guidelines for good prescribing in elderly patientsCarry out a regular medication review and discuss and agree all changes with the patient.Stop any current drugs that are not indicated.Prescribe new drugs that have a clear indication.More items...
How do you treat old age weakness?
Here are some suggestions:Keep a fatigue diary to help you find patterns throughout the day when you feel more or less tired.Exercise regularly. Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity. ... Try to avoid long naps (over 30 minutes) late in the day. ... Stop smoking. ... Ask for help if you feel swamped.
Which mood stabilizers are preferred for geriatric patients?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, and escitalopram) Non-Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (bupropion, venlafaxine, and mirtazapine)
How long does lactulose last?
Lactulose has a prebiotic effect and a carry-over effect (continued laxative effect for at least 6 to 7 days, post cessation of treatment). Stimulants such as bisacodyl, sodium picosulphate and senna are indicated if osmotic laxatives are not effective.
What is the best treatment for recalcitrant syphilis?
Treatment should begin with bulking agents such as psyllium, bran or methylcellulose followed by osmotic laxatives if response is poor. Lactulose, polyethylene glycol and lactitol are the most frequently prescribed osmotic agents.
What is the primary aim of intervention in diabetic patients with chronic constipation?
The primary aim of intervention in diabetic patients with chronic constipation is to better manage the diabetes along with management of constipation. The physician should explain the rationale for prescribing laxatives and educate patients about the potential drawbacks of long-term use of laxatives ….
Physiology of Aging
Many age-related changes affect the clinical presentation of diabetes. These changes can make the recognition and treatment of diabetes problematic. It is said that at least half of the diabetic elderly population do not even know they have the disease.
Diagnosis
The current diagnoses of diabetes in the elderly are the same as those of younger adults.
Treatment
Goals of therapy for elderly diabetic patients should include an evaluation of their functional status, life expectancy, social and financial support, and their own desires for treatment.
Conclusion
Ideal geriatric care requires a multidisciplinary approach.
What is the most common type of constipation among the elderly?
It is commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, IBS patients experience a lot more abdominal pain and discomfort.
What are the complications of constipation?
If left untreated for a long time, constipation can lead to a number of complications, including the following: Fecal impaction (stool that can’t be evacuated): The longer it stays in the colon, the drier and harder the stool gets.
How long does constipation last?
Furthermore, chronic constipation in elderly people manifests as infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stool that lasts for at least several weeks.
How to tell if stool is normal?
A quick way to assess if your stool is normal is to take a look at the Bristol stool scale. It can reveal mild or severe constipation in elderly people and even show whether they lack fiber in their diet. Other associated signs and symptoms can include: Bloating. Pain in the abdomen.
What medications cause constipation in elderly people?
Taking medications that cause constipation in the elderly, which include certain sedatives, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, anti-nausea medications, narcotics, antidepressants, diuretics, and calcium and iron supplements.
Why do elderly people have constipation?
A number of issues can cause chronic constipation—from those that make the stool move too slowly to those that prevent it from being eliminated effectively , leading to hard and dry stool . Here are all the potential causes of chronic constipation:
What is the purpose of blood tests?
Blood tests: To discover certain conditions causing dehydration and constipation in the elderly, for instance, low thyroid function (hypothyroidism). Sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy: Examination of the rectum and lower (sigmoid) colon or the entire colon.