A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lactulose to a client diagnosed with cirrhosis. The client states, "I don't need this medication. I am not constipated." The nurse should explain that in clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of which of the following components in the bloodstream?
Potassium
Ammonia
Glucose
Bicarbonate
The Correct Answer is B
A. Lactulose is not used to decrease potassium levels. It is a laxative that works by drawing water into the colon, softening stools and promoting bowel movements.
B. Lactulose is used to decrease ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism, and when the liver is compromised, it may not effectively convert ammonia into urea, leading to elevated ammonia levels in the bloodstream. Lactulose helps reduce ammonia absorption in the colon.
C. Lactulose does not decrease glucose levels significantly. It is not primarily used as an antidiabetic medication.
D. Lactulose does not affect bicarbonate levels significantly. It primarily targets ammonia reduction in clients with cirrhosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dyspepsia:
Dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often described as indigestion. It is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease but is not as urgent as the manifestation described in option C.
B. Epigastric discomfort:
Epigastric discomfort is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but the priority is to identify more severe complications, such as bleeding.
C. Hematemesis:
This is the correct answer. Hematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It indicates active bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract and requires prompt medical attention.
D. Epigastric pain:
Epigastric pain is similar to epigastric discomfort and is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease. However, the priority in the given options is to identify the more severe complication of hematemesis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 7.8%
An HbA1c value of 7.8% indicates an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months that is higher than the optimal range. This suggests that the client may not be achieving optimal glucose control.
B. 8.5%
An HbA1c value of 8.5% also indicates elevated average blood sugar levels over the past few months. This value suggests poorer control of diabetes, and adjustments to the management plan may be needed.
C. 10%
An HbA1c value of 10% indicates higher average blood sugar levels, signifying inadequate control of diabetes. This value suggests a need for intervention and modification of the treatment plan to achieve better glucose management.
D. 6.3%
An HbA1c value of 6.3% is considered a relatively good indicator of glucose control. This value suggests that the client has been successful in maintaining lower average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, reflecting effective diabetes management.
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