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."

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) typically appears later in the course of liver cirrhosis and is usually associated with more advanced liver damage.

B) Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is a later manifestation of liver cirrhosis and usually occurs after significant liver damage has occurred.

C) Spider angiomas, also known as spider nevi or spider telangiectasias, are dilated blood vessels that appear as small red spots with tiny radiating legs. They are a common early sign of liver cirrhosis and result from increased pressure in the superficial blood vessels due to impaired liver function. Spider angiomas are often found on the face, neck, upper trunk, and arms.

D) Hepatic encephalopathy, a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease, is also a later manifestation of liver cirrhosis and is not an early sign of the condition.

A. Lactulose B. Furosemide C. Propranolol D. Spironolactone

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

B) Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention in clients with cirrhosis but is not effective in reducing ammonia levels or managing hepatic encephalopathy.

C) Propranolol is a beta-blocker often prescribed to reduce portal hypertension and prevent variceal bleeding in clients with liver cirrhosis. It is not used to treat hepatic encephalopathy.

D) Spironolactone is a diuretic used to manage fluid retention and ascites in clients with liver cirrhosis. Like furosemide, it is not effective in reducing ammonia levels or treating hepatic encephalopathy.

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A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose to manage hepatic encephalopathy. What should the nurse instruct the client about taking this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected liver cirrhosis. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find as an early sign of the condition?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to help reduce ammonia levels in the blood?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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