Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 542 of 2368
A client has taken an OTC antidiarrheal for three days, and the diarrhea has not resolved. What should the nurse do?
- Teach the client to double the dose
- Continue the medication for another week
- Notify the provider so other causes can be investigated
- Switch the client to a laxative
Show answer
Correct answer: Notify the provider so other causes can be investigated
Antidiarrheals treat symptoms, not the cause, so unresolved diarrhea after 48 hours needs follow-up.
Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Gastrointestinal System: Applying the Nursing Process to Administering Antidiarrheals. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026