Mrs. M. is a 66-year-old retired schoolteacher. She enjoys good health and exercises three times a week with a senior citizen group in a supervised arthritis swim class at the local recreation center....

Mrs. M. is a 66-year-old retired schoolteacher. She enjoys good health and exercises three times a week with a senior citizen group in a supervised arthritis swim class at the local recreation center. She arrives at the family practice office with complaints of “constipation” and says that for the past 3 months she has had only one bowel movement every 3 days instead of one every day. In the assessment of this patient, the nurse discovers that Mrs. M. has been taking a stimulant laxative up to twice a day and is also now feeling “weak.” Mrs. M. also says that she is experiencing “a lot of tummy cramping.” 1. What are at least five questions the nurse should ask Mrs. M.? Provide reasons for each question. 2. What types of problems are generally related to long-term use of laxatives? Explain your answer. 3. What are some nonpharmacologic ways to help prevent constipation? 4. What over-the-counter drug is the best choice to help prevent constipation? Explain your answer.