A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose to manage hepatic encephalopathy. What should the nurse instruct the client about taking this medication?
"Take lactulose with meals to enhance its effectiveness."
"Expect one to two soft bowel movements per day while on lactulose."
"Limit your fluid intake while on lactulose to prevent fluid overload."
"Monitor your blood glucose levels frequently while taking lactulose."
The Correct Answer is B
A) While lactulose can be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, its effectiveness is not necessarily enhanced by taking it with meals. The timing and dosage of lactulose should be based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
B) Lactulose is a medication commonly used to manage hepatic encephalopathy in clients with liver cirrhosis. It works by reducing ammonia levels in the blood by promoting the excretion of ammonia through the stool. The nurse should instruct the client to expect one to two soft bowel movements per day while on lactulose, as this indicates the medication's effectiveness in removing ammonia from the body.
C) Lactulose is not associated with fluid overload, and there is no need to limit fluid intake while taking the medication. In fact, adequate hydration is important in clients with liver cirrhosis.
D) Lactulose is not known to significantly affect blood glucose levels, and there is no specific need for the client to monitor blood glucose levels while taking this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) In liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension occurs due to increased pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. The increased pressure leads to the development of portosystemic collaterals (collateral circulation) to divert blood flow. This can cause hypersplenism, a condition where the spleen becomes enlarged and traps platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
B) Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not directly related to a decreased platelet count.
C) Hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of liver cancer and can be a complication of liver cirrhosis. However, it is not the likely cause of the client's decreased platelet count.
D) Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) can occur in liver cirrhosis due to portal hypertension. However, splenomegaly itself is not the cause of the decreased platelet count; it is the hypersplenism resulting from the splenomegaly that causes thrombocytopenia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Iron supplements are not a priority intervention for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. In fact, administering iron supplements without proper indication can be harmful, as excessive iron can worsen liver damage in cirrhosis.
B) While monitoring fluid intake and output is important in managing various aspects of liver cirrhosis, it is not the essential intervention for hepatic encephalopathy. The priority in hepatic encephalopathy is to ensure seizure precautions and address the client's altered mental status.
C) Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis that can lead to altered mental status, confusion, and potential seizures. Implementing seizure precautions is essential in the care of this client to ensure their safety and prevent injury during any potential seizure activity. Seizure precautions may include padding the side rails of the bed, ensuring a clear and clutter-free environment, and providing close supervision to the client. In severe cases, the healthcare provider may prescribe antiepileptic medications to manage and prevent seizures.
D) Encouraging a high-protein diet is not appropriate for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. High-protein diets can exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy by increasing ammonia production in the intestines. Instead, the client should be prescribed a controlled-protein diet and, in some cases, given lactulose to help reduce ammonia levels.
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