A nurse is providing education to the partner of a client who has hepatic encephalopathy about a prescription for lactulose. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client's partner?
"There should be a decrease in the number of bowel movements with this medication."
"IV administration is the preferred route to give this medication."
"This medication will treat the infection that is causing the confusion."
"We will monitor the serum ammonia level to help determine if the medication is effective."
The Correct Answer is D
A. Lactulose is a laxative that works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the colon, leading to increased bowel movements. Therefore, there should be an increase rather than a decrease in the number of bowel movements with this medication.
B. Lactulose is typically administered orally or rectally, not intravenously.
C. Lactulose does not treat infection; it helps reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy by promoting bowel movements to expel ammonia.
D. Monitoring the serum ammonia level is essential in assessing the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Reduction in serum ammonia levels indicates that the medication is working to reduce ammonia absorption in the colon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
- Uneaten meals suggest that the client is not consuming the food provided, which can lead to inadequate intake of nutrients and calories, thus indicating possible malnutrition.
- A wound that won't heal can be a sign of malnutrition, as proper nutrition is essential for wound healing and maintenance of skin integrity.
- Rough and dry skin can be indicative of malnutrition, particularly if there is a deficiency in essential fatty acids and other nutrients that maintain skin health.
- Edema to the face and lower extremities can be a sign of protein-energy malnutrition, where the body does not get enough protein to maintain plasma oncotic pressure, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- Rationale for A: One slice of bread typically does not equate to 1 oz of protein. Bread is primarily a source of carbohydrates and contains only a small amount of protein, making it insufficient to meet the protein equivalent of 1 oz.
- Rationale for B: Two tablespoons of peanut butter have approximately 8 grams of protein, which is close to the protein content of 1 oz of meat. However, it is slightly less than the standard 1 oz protein equivalent, which is about 7 grams of protein, as found in one egg.
- Rationale for C: One scrambled egg is equivalent to 1 oz of protein because it contains approximately 7 grams of protein, which aligns with the protein content of 1 oz of meat. Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids needed by a toddler.
- Rationale for D: Half a cup of peas contains about 4 grams of protein, which is less than the 7 grams found in 1 oz of meat or one egg. Therefore, 1/2 cup of peas does not meet the equivalent of 1 oz of protein.
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