Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using bulk laxatives as follows:
- Bulk laxatives absorb water and swell in the intestines, giving rise to an unpleasant bloating sensation, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence. If these unpleasant symptoms are too bothersome, change in plan could be made by trying other laxatives.
- Bulk forming laxatives need large amount of water to be able to form bulk, which stimulate the bowels to move. So, these laxatives are to be taken with a full 8 oz. glass of water. So, extra caution must be exercised while administering bulk laxatives for patients placed on fluid limitations, such as, individuals with congestive heart failure and renal failure.
- Also, water is needed to swallow the bulk laxative completely into the stomach. Care must be taken to prevent the bulk laxative absorb water and swell, while it is in the throat, which can result in choking and difficulty breathing.
- Since these laxatives take large amount of water to be able to exert their effects, caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. Noncompliance with rehydration can lead to episodes of intense dehydration.
