Polyethylene glycol

What class of medication is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)?

A. Stimulant laxative

B. Osmotic laxative

C. Stool softener

D. Bulk-forming laxative

B. Osmotic laxative

What is the mechanism of action of Polyethylene Glycol?

A. Increases peristalsis by stimulating nerves in the colon

B. Draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movement

C. Lubricates the stool surface to ease passage

D. Absorbs water into stool, increasing its bulk

B. Draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movement

side effects / adverse effects

Nausea, bloating, diarrhea Important Side Effects: Fluid/electrolyte imbalance with overuse

Polyethylene Glycol is commonly used to treat which condition?

A. Diarrhea

B. Constipation

C. GERD

D. Peptic ulcer disease

B. Constipation

Which of the following is an appropriate use for high-dose Polyethylene Glycol (e.g., GoLYTELY)?

A. Acute asthma attacks

B. Colonoscopy bowel preparation

C. Hypertension management

D. Pain relief

B. Colonoscopy bowel preparation

How long does it typically take for PEG to produce a bowel movement?

A. 15–30 minutes

B. 1–2 hours

C. 12–72 hours

D. 4–5 days

C. 12–72 hours

Which patient should use PEG with caution?

A. A healthy adult with occasional constipation

B. A child with mild dehydration

C. An elderly patient with chronic kidney disease

D. A patient with hemorrhoids

C. An elderly patient with chronic kidney disease

What is a common side effect of PEG?

A. Rash

B. Vomiting

C. Bloating and abdominal cramping

D. Vision changes

C. Bloating and abdominal cramping

What is a rare but serious adverse effect of Polyethylene Glycol?

A. Hyperkalemia

B. Electrolyte imbalance

C. Hypertension

D. Seizures

B. Electrolyte imbalance

When administering PEG for bowel prep, what is an essential nursing action?

A. Provide a high-fiber meal before the dose

B. Mix the solution with milk

C. Ensure patient is near a restroom

D. Administer PEG with antacids

C. Ensure patient is near a restroom

How should PEG powder be taken?

A. Dry, directly by mouth

B. Mixed with hot water only

C. Dissolved in 4–8 oz of water or beverage

D. Injected intramuscularly

C. Dissolved in 4–8 oz of water or beverage

A nurse educates a patient taking PEG regularly for chronic constipation. What should be included?

A. “Stop taking it if you don’t have a bowel movement every day.”

B. “It’s safe to take PEG for long periods without medical advice.”

C. “Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.”

D. “You don’t need to change your diet while taking PEG.”

C. “Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.”

What dietary advice should be given along with PEG for constipation management?

A. Increase intake of dairy and red meat

B. Avoid fluids to reduce bloating

C. Eat high-fiber foods and increase fluids

D. Stick to processed foods

C. Eat high-fiber foods and increase fluids

PEG should be used cautiously in which situation?

A. Pregnancy

B. Suspected bowel obstruction

C. Menstruation

D. Mild indigestion

B. Suspected bowel obstruction

What symptom should the nurse report to the provider if a patient on PEG experiences it?

A. Loose stools

B. Mild bloating

C. Severe abdominal pain

D. Increased appetite

C. Severe abdominal pain

Which of the following is true regarding PEG and electrolyte balance?

A. PEG always depletes electrolytes

B. PEG causes fluid retention

C. PEG may alter electrolytes with prolonged or high use

D. PEG increases potassium and sodium levels

C. PEG may alter electrolytes with prolonged or high use

What is a benefit of PEG compared to stimulant laxatives?

A. Faster onset of action

B. Less abdominal cramping and gentler on the colon

C. More effective for acute constipation

D. Does not require water intake

B. Less abdominal cramping and gentler on the colon

Which of the following should be avoided when taking PEG?

A. Fruit juice

B. Caffeinated beverages

C. Antacids

D. Taking other laxatives without approval

D. Taking other laxatives without approval

PEG should be stored:

A. In the freezer

B. In a dry place at room temperature

C. In the refrigerator only

D. Under direct sunlight

B. In a dry place at room temperature

A patient asks if PEG is habit-forming. The correct nursing response is:

A. “Yes, your body will depend on it.”

B. “It is mildly addictive and should be avoided.”

C. “No, it is not habit-forming when used appropriately.”

D. “Yes, like all laxatives, it causes dependency.”

C. “No, it is not habit-forming when used appropriately.”

Which of the following indicates effective PEG therapy?

A. Patient reports watery diarrhea

B. Patient reports absence of gas

C. Patient has a soft, formed bowel movement

D. Patient does not feel the need to defecate

C. Patient has a soft, formed bowel movement