# A client with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea reports a prior cholecystectomy and receives an eluxadoline prescription. Which action is best?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522587&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions  
> category: PPT

## Question

A client with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea reports a prior cholecystectomy and receives an eluxadoline prescription. Which action is best?

## Option

1. Hold eluxadoline and obtain prompt review because it is contraindicated without a gallbladder. **✔ Correct answer**
2. Give the first dose with alcohol to reduce the risk of abdominal discomfort.
3. Start a double dose because cholecystectomy lowers the risk of pancreatitis.
4. Continue the prescription and report pain only after several weeks of therapy.

**Correct answer: 1**

## Explanation

Eluxadoline is contraindicated in clients without a gallbladder because serious and fatal pancreatitis and sphincter of Oddi spasm have occurred, sometimes after 1 or 2 doses.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Block eluxadoline exposure after cholecystectomy.

Why this is correct
The safety screen occurs before the first dose. Waiting for symptoms exposes the client to a known contraindication.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Use a closed medication-safety loop: identify the exposure, connect the new findings, interrupt further harm, support physiology, and verify the response over time.

Memory hook
Exposure, interaction, toxicity pattern, immediate action, serial reassessment.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that reduces the most immediate medication-related risk while preserving monitoring and escalation.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that continue the exposure, treat only one symptom, or delay reassessment leave the toxic process active.References
1DailyMed: VIBERZI (eluxadoline)Contraindication without a gallbladder and risk of pancreatitis or sphincter of Oddi spasm

## Clinical scenario

Medication safety review
Verify the indication, route, interacting medicines, current respiratory and gastrointestinal findings, authorized action, and measurable follow-up.

## Related questions

- [A nurse is reviewing the morning lab results for an adult client receiving warfarin for at…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=360515&lang=en)
- [A client is admitted to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown amount of acet…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362720&lang=en)
- [A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed metoprolol 25 mg orally twice daily. Bef…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362756&lang=en)
- [A 28-year-old client with type 1 diabetes receives regular insulin 6 units and NPH insulin…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362792&lang=en)
- [A client receives IV vancomycin 1 g every 12 hours for MRSA bacteremia. Before the next do…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362833&lang=en)
- [A client with bipolar disorder has been taking lithium carbonate 600 mg orally three times…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362894&lang=en)
- [An 80-year-old male with heart failure is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg daily. During mornin…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=372686&lang=en)
- [A 38-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis is being discharged with a new prescription…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=372687&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522587&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522587&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522587&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522587&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=522587&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._