A client with obesity is prescribed orlistat for weight loss. The client asks the nurse, "I understand the medication prevents digestion of fat, but what side effects does this cause?" Which of the following responses by the nurse are correct? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Oily stools are common, especially when excessive fat is consumed.
Many patients note having an increase of gas and flatus.
Constipation is a common side effect with this medication.
Some patients report the development of fecal incontinence.
This medication doesn't really have any side effects because you can buy it over the counter.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A reason: Oily stools are common, especially when excessive fat is consumed, because orlistat blocks the absorption of fat in the intestines. The undigested fat is then eliminated in the stool, making it oily, greasy, or foul-smelling.
Choice B reason: Many patients note having an increase of gas and flatus, because orlistat can also interfere with the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins, causing fermentation and gas production in the colon.
Choice C reason: Constipation is not a common side effect with this medication. In fact, orlistat may cause the opposite effect of diarrhea, as the unabsorbed fat can irritate the bowel and increase the motility.
Choice D reason: Some patients report the development of fecal incontinence, because orlistat can cause unpredictable bowel movements and difficulty in controlling the passage of stool, especially if the patient consumes a high-fat diet.
Choice E reason: This medication does have side effects, even though it can be bought over the counter. Orlistat is a prescription-strength drug that can cause serious adverse reactions, such as liver damage, kidney stones, gallbladder problems, and vitamin deficiencies. The over-the-counter version is a lower dose than the prescription one, but it still requires medical supervision and lifestyle changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pale yellow is the normal color of urine, indicating adequate hydration and no bilirubin in the urine. Bilirubin is a pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. It is normally excreted in the bile, but if the bile duct is obstructed, it can accumulate in the blood and urine, causing jaundice and dark urine.
Choice B reason: Red urine can indicate blood in the urine, which can be caused by various conditions such as urinary tract infection, kidney stones, trauma, or cancer. It is not related to bile duct obstruction or cholecystitis.
Choice C reason: Greenish-brown urine can indicate bilirubin in the urine, which can be caused by bile duct obstruction or liver disease. It is a sign of cholestasis, which is a reduced or stopped flow of bile. The nurse should monitor the client for other signs of cholestasis such as jaundice, clay-colored stools, pruritus, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: Dark and concentrated urine can indicate dehydration, which can be caused by various factors such as fluid loss, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is not related to bile duct obstruction or cholecystitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Active transport is not the process that allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area. Active transport is the process that moves solutes across a membrane against their concentration gradient, using energy from ATP. Active transport can create or maintain a concentration difference between two sides of a membrane.
Choice B reason: Osmosis is the process that allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area. Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Osmosis can equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of a membrane.
Choice C reason: Filtration is not the process that allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area. Filtration is the movement of fluid and solutes across a membrane due to a pressure difference between two sides of a membrane. Filtration can separate solutes from fluid based on their size and charge.
Choice D reason: Diffusion is not the process that allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area. Diffusion is the movement of solutes across a membrane from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration. Diffusion can also equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of a membrane.

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