Which type of diarrhea does the client have who abuses laxatives?

Which type of diarrhea does the client have who abuses laxatives?

• A. Secretory
• B. Absorptive
• C. Motility
• D. Mixed

Answer: (D)

Laxative abuse typically triggers more than one mechanism, so the diarrheal pattern is best described as mixed. Stimulant laxatives speed up intestinal movement, increasing transit time (a motility effect), which produces frequent, watery stools. They can also irritate the lining and promote fluid secretion into the gut, adding a secretory component. When both increased motility and secretory activity occur together, you don’t see a purely secretory or purely motility type—hence a mixed presentation. Chronic laxative use can also cause mucosal irritation and electrolyte disturbances, which further contribute to this combined pattern. Absorptive diarrhea, by contrast, centers on malabsorption, which isn’t the primary issue with laxative abuse, making mixed the most accurate description.

Laxative abuse typically triggers more than one mechanism, so the diarrheal pattern is best described as mixed. Stimulant laxatives speed up intestinal movement, increasing transit time (a motility effect), which produces frequent, watery stools. They can also irritate the lining and promote fluid secretion into the gut, adding a secretory component. When both increased motility and secretory activity occur together, you don’t see a purely secretory or purely motility type—hence a mixed presentation. Chronic laxative use can also cause mucosal irritation and electrolyte disturbances, which further contribute to this combined pattern. Absorptive diarrhea, by contrast, centers on malabsorption, which isn’t the primary issue with laxative abuse, making mixed the most accurate description.