Final answer:
The true statement about the effects of medication on bowel elimination is that diarrhea commonly occurs with amoxicillin clavulanate use due to its impact on intestinal flora and the potential to cause an overgrowth of C. difficile, leading to chronic diarrhea.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the effects of medication on bowel elimination, it's important to understand how different medications can induce various changes in gastrointestinal function. Among the options provided:
- Diarrhea commonly occurs with amoxicillin clavulanate use due to its influence on gut bacteria and possible overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant species such as Clostridium difficile, which can lead to severe symptoms including chronic diarrhea.
- Anticoagulants typically do not cause a white discoloration of the stool. Instead, they can potentially cause blood in the stool, making it appear red or black.
- Narcotic analgesics are known to decrease gastrointestinal motility, often leading to constipation as a side effect, not an increase.
- Iron salts can cause the stool to appear black or very dark green due to the oxidation of iron, but they do not impair digestion.
Therefore, the true statement about the effects of medication on bowel elimination is that diarrhea commonly occurs with amoxicillin clavulanate use.