A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the nest information to evaluate the client’s therapeutic response to the drug?
Fingerstick glucose.
Serum electrolytes and ammonia.
Stool color and character.
Serum hepatic enzymes.
The Correct Answer is B
Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction.
Monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate that the medication is not effectively reducing ammonia absorption and may require adjustment in dose or frequency. Additionally, monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect any imbalances that may occur because of lactulose therapy.
Fingerstick glucose levels (option A) are not relevant to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
Stool color and character (option C) may be monitored to assess the side effects of lactulose, such as diarrhea, but are not the best assessments to evaluate therapeutic response.
Serum hepatic enzymes (option D) may be useful in assessing the severity of liver disease but are not the best assessment to evaluate the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can be used as a sleep aid. Therefore, when evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin in an older adult client with restless legs syndrome, the nurse should assess the client's sleep patterns to determine if the herb is improving their ability to fall and stay asleep.
Assessing anxiety level (a) may be useful in other contexts, but it is not directly relevant to evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin for restless legs syndrome. Observing for peripheral edema (b) and palpating pedal pulse volume (d) are important assessments in clients with peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders, but they are not directly related to restless legs syndrome or the use of melatonin.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach. The nurse should instruct the client to wait for 2 hours after meals before taking the tablet to promote the best absorption of the medication. The client should also be advised not to crush the enteric-coated tablets as this can affect the medication’s effectiveness.
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