Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Q 99
A female client is taking Cascara Sagrada. Nurse Betty informs the client that the following may be experienced as side effects of this medication:
A. GI bleeding
B. Peptic ulcer disease
C. Abdominal cramps
D. Partial bowel obstruction
Correct Answer: C. Abdominal cramps
The most frequent side effects of Cascara Sagrada (Laxative) is abdominal cramps and nausea. Cascara sagrada is possibly safe for most adults when taken for less than one week. Side effects include stomach discomfort and cramps.
Option A: There is no GI bleeding associated with Cascara sagrada. Cascara sagrada is possibly unsafe when used for more than one week. This could cause more serious side effects including dehydration; low levels of potassium, sodium, chloride, and other “electrolytes” in the blood; heart problems; muscle weakness; and others.
Option B: Peptic ulcer disease is not a side effect of Cascara sagrada, however, stomach discomfort may occur when using this drug. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as intestinal obstruction, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, stomach ulcers, or unexplained stomach pain: people with any of these conditions should not use cascara sagrada.
Option D: Partial bowel obstruction is not associated with the use of Cascara sagrada. Cascara is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives speed up the bowels. Taking cascara along with other stimulant laxatives could speed up the bowels too much and cause dehydration and low minerals in the body.