Fall 2020 Case Study 1

Case Study Profile

Ms. Jennifer Robins is a 55-year-old female who comes to the pharmacy to seek
advice on an appropriate laxative for her use. She tends to get constipated with
sitting for long hours while working. She likes to drink socially and she does not
have any smoking history. She follows a non-galactose diet.

Ms. Robins is currently taking the following medication: (This list is written on a
piece of paper she gives to you)

 Emollient laxative (docusate sodium-Colace 240mg) daily

The pharmacist recommends Lactulose 15 to 30ml daily prn to Ms. Robins.

Case Study Questions

1. List three relevant assessments or questions you would ask Ms. Robins.
Please include the rationale for each assessment or question and consider
addressing Ms. Robins’ immediate needs (focused on the patient profile and
situation). (3 marks)

2. List the pharmacokinetic actions (onset of action, absorption,

metabolism, and excretion) of lactulose oral liquid along with the
pregnancy category. (2 marks)

3. What is the recommended dose range and frequency of lactulose oral

liquid? What is the maximum dose of lactulose an adult can consume in a
24 hour period? (1 mark)

4. How does lactulose oral liquid work in the body (mechanism of action)
given that this medication belongs to the hyperosmotic category of
laxatives? Compare and contrast to the stimulant category of laxatives
using senna (Senokot®) (2 marks)
 5. When you review Ms. Robin’s history, what is a potential
contraindication? (provide rationale) (1 mark)

6. List two pieces of patient education information to give Ms. Robins

about lactulose oral liquid for the relief of her constipation. Please
take into consideration her above mentioned case history. Provide
rationale for your responses. (2 marks)

7. Ms. Robins is wondering about non-pharmacological interventions for the

relief of her constipation. Identify two interventions and provide rationale
for each one regarding how the recommended intervention prevents
constipation. (2 marks).

APA 6th edition formatting for scholarly paper (2 marks)