South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

Which type of laxative is specifically used to soften and increase fecal mass?

Stimulant laxatives

Osmotic laxatives

Fecal softeners

Fecal softeners are specifically designed to soften and increase fecal mass, making them effective in preventing and treating constipation. They work by adding moisture to the stool, which helps to ease its passage through the intestines. This action helps individuals who might be experiencing hard stools due to dehydration or insufficient dietary fiber.

While stimulant laxatives are effective in promoting bowel movements by increasing intestinal motility, and osmotic laxatives draw water into the intestines to help increase stool bulk, they do not directly focus on softening the stool in the same manner as fecal softeners. Lubricant laxatives, on the other hand, provide a slippery coating that can ease stool passage but may not significantly alter the consistency of the stool itself. Thus, fecal softeners are uniquely positioned to address the need for stool softening and increasing fecal mass effectively.

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Lubricant laxatives

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