A client with psoriasis returns to the clinic reporting the persistence of several silvery, scaly areas on the elbows and palms that frequently burn and sometimes bleed.
Which prescription should the nurse teach the client to use for the skin condition?

Choice A rationale:

Lactulose directly addresses the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy, which is the accumulation of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can impair brain function, leading to confusion, lethargy, and even coma. Lactulose works by trapping ammonia in the colon, where it can be safely excreted in the stool. This decrease in ammonia levels in the blood allows for the improvement of mental status.

Studies have consistently shown that lactulose therapy can significantly improve mental function in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. This improvement is often seen within a few days of starting treatment.

The nurse should assess the client's mental status regularly to monitor for improvement. This assessment should include evaluating the client's level of consciousness, orientation, attention, memory, and speech.

Improved mental status is a critical therapeutic goal in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. It allows patients to regain their independence and participate more fully in their care.

Choice B rationale:

While lactulose can cause diarrhea, which may lead to a slight increase in urine output, this is not the primary therapeutic response that the nurse should expect.

The increase in urine output is typically secondary to the diarrhea and does not directly reflect a reduction in ammonia levels or improvement in mental status.

Choice C rationale:

Lactulose does cause diarrhea, which is a common side effect of the medication.

However, the goal of lactulose therapy is not to reduce the number of liquid stools but rather to trap ammonia in the colon and promote its excretion.

The nurse should monitor the client's stool frequency and consistency to ensure that they are not experiencing excessive diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Choice D rationale:

While improved mental status may eventually lead to improved mobility, it is not the most immediate or direct therapeutic response that the nurse should expect from lactulose therapy.

The ability to ambulate independently is more likely to be a long-term goal of treatment, rather than an immediate response to lactulose.

Choice A rationale:

While ABGs can provide valuable information about a patient's respiratory status, they are not routinely required prior to postural drainage in patients with COPD.

ABGs might be considered if the patient is experiencing acute respiratory distress or if there are concerns about their oxygenation or ventilation status.

However, in the absence of such concerns, obtaining ABGs would not be necessary and could potentially cause discomfort or anxiety for the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Performing postural drainage immediately after meals is not recommended for patients with COPD.

This is because eating can cause a feeling of fullness in the stomach, which can make it difficult for the patient to breathe deeply and effectively during the procedure.

Additionally, there is a risk of aspiration if the patient were to vomit during or after postural drainage.

It is generally recommended to perform postural drainage at least 1-2 hours after meals to reduce these risks.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the patient to breathe shallow and fast is not appropriate for postural drainage.

The goal of postural drainage is to help the patient mobilize and expectorate secretions from the lungs.

This is best achieved by encouraging the patient to breathe deeply and slowly, which helps to open up the airways and promote mucus clearance.

Shallow, rapid breathing can actually make it more difficult to clear secretions and can lead to increased shortness of breath.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining that the patient may be placed in five positions is the most appropriate approach for postural drainage in a patient with COPD.

This is because different positions help to drain different areas of the lungs. The five positions typically used for postural drainage are:

Head down position (to drain the lower lobes)

Prone position (to drain the posterior segments of the lungs)

Right lateral position (to drain the right middle lobe and right lower lobe) Left lateral position (to drain the left lower lobe)

Sitting upright position (to drain the upper lobes)

By placing the patient in these different positions, the nurse can help to ensure that all areas of the lungs are drained effectively.