Drugs that cause expulsion of gas from the intestinal tract is called:

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

Carminatives are a class of drugs specifically designed to relieve flatulence.
They work by either preventing the formation of gas or by helping to expel accumulated gas from the stomach and intestines.
An example of a carminative agent is simethicone, which works by breaking down large gas bubbles into smaller ones, making them easier to pass.
This action directly addresses the condition described in the question: the expulsion of gas from the intestinal tract.

Option B: Cathartics are strong laxatives that stimulate bowel movements to evacuate feces, not primarily gas.
Option C: Emetics induce vomiting (emesis) by acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain or by irritating the stomach lining.
Option D: Astringents cause tissue to constrict or shrink, which is useful for reducing inflammation or stopping minor bleeding. They have no effect on intestinal gas.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological classification of gastrointestinal agents helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding these drug classifications is crucial for nurses to administer medications safely and provide appropriate patient education.
For example, a nurse would assess for bowel sounds and abdominal distention before and after administering a carminative to evaluate its effectiveness.
It is also vital to know contraindications. Emetics, for instance, are contraindicated in corrosive poisoning to prevent further damage to the esophagus.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key action described in the question stem: 'expulsion of gas from the intestinal tract'.
Next, analyze each option based on its known pharmacological definition.
Option A, Carminatives, are defined as agents that relieve flatulence (gas). This is a direct match.
Option B, Cathartics, are strong laxatives for bowel evacuation. This is a different function.
Option C, Emetics, induce vomiting. This is also a different function.
Option D, Astringents, constrict tissues. This is unrelated to the GI tract's gas content.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 170-172

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 336-338

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.