Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What is the action of anti-diarrheals?

1. Absorb excess fluids and bacteria

2. Promote digestion

3. Stimulate bowel movements

4. Increase gastric acid

The correct answer is: Absorb excess fluids and bacteria

The action of anti-diarrheals primarily involves absorbing excess fluids and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This mechanism helps to firm up stool consistency and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. When diarrhea occurs, the body often expels more fluids than usual, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. By absorbing excess fluid, anti-diarrheals help mitigate these risks and restore balance in the digestive system. Other options focus on different functions that are not characteristic of anti-diarrheal medications. For instance, promoting digestion pertains to enhancing the breakdown of food, which can lead to increased gut motility rather than slowing it down. Stimulating bowel movements is the opposite of what anti-diarrheals are intended to achieve; instead, these medications work to decrease bowel movements. Lastly, increasing gastric acid is not aligned with the purpose of anti-diarrheals, as it does not contribute to alleviating diarrhea symptoms but rather relates to issues such as indigestion or acid reflux. Thus, the correct answer is rooted in the specific action of anti-diarrheal drugs in managing gastrointestinal disturbances.