Which medications are commonly used to decrease ileostomy output?

Prepare for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (WOCN) Ostomy Certification Exam with our detailed quiz. Test your knowledge with interactive questions and comprehensive explanations to ensure success in your certification journey.

The correct choice focuses on psyllium and loperamide, which are commonly utilized for managing ileostomy output. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that can help bulk up stool and slow down gastrointestinal transit time, thereby reducing output. It absorbs excess water in the bowel and makes stools more formed, which is beneficial for individuals with an ileostomy who may experience high output.

Loperamide, on the other hand, is an anti-diarrheal medication that works by slowing peristalsis in the intestines, which decreases the frequency of bowel movements and reduces the overall volume of output. It effectively provides symptomatic relief for patients experiencing loose stools or increased stool output following ileostomy surgery.

In contrast, other options do not address the issue of bile output reduction in a clinically relevant way. For instance, while diphenhydramine can help with symptoms related to allergies and metoclopramide is an antiemetic, they do not specifically target ilostomy output. The anti-inflammatory medications ibuprofen and acetaminophen do not influence bowel activity directly, and although prednisone and hydrocortisone are steroid medications that might reduce inflammation associated with certain gastrointestinal conditions, they do not act to specifically decrease ileostomy output.

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