A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose.
Which assessment provides the nurse with the best information to evaluate the patient’s therapeutic response to the drug?

Stool color and character.

Fingerstick glucose.

Serum electrolytes and ammonia.

Serum hepatic enzymes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

While changes in stool color and character can be indicative of various health conditions, they are not the best indicators of a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice B rationale

Fingerstick glucose monitoring is important in managing conditions like diabetes, but it does not provide the best information to evaluate a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice C rationale

Lactulose is used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur in patients with severe liver disease. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction. Therefore, monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose therapy.

Choice D rationale

While monitoring serum hepatic enzymes can provide valuable information about liver function, it does not provide the best information to evaluate a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Instructing the patient to exhale rapidly into the mouthpiece when using the discus is incorrect. The patient should breathe in through their mouth as deeply as they can until they have taken a full deep breath.

Choice B rationale

Fluticasone and salmeterol is a combination of two medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve breathing. It is used when a patient’s asthma has not been controlled sufficiently on other asthma medicines, or when a patient’s condition is so severe that more than one medicine is needed every day. Therefore, explaining that the patient should not use the discus more than twice daily is the correct instruction.

Choice C rationale

Informing that patients using the discus may experience a decrease in blood pressure is incorrect. The most common side effects of fluticasone and salmeterol include drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness.

Choice D rationale

Suggesting offering the discus to the patient for use during an acute asthma attack is incorrect. Fluticasone and salmeterol is not used to relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

A. Nausea and diarrhea can occur when using this supplement. B. Ginkgo biloba use should be limited and not taken during pregnancy. C. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interact with ginkgo. D. Anxiety and headaches increase with the use of ginkgo biloba.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While nausea and diarrhea can occur when using ginkgo biloba, these are not the most critical side effects to be aware of.

Choice B rationale

Ginkgo biloba should indeed be used with caution during pregnancy due to potential risks. However, this is not the most important information for this patient.

Choice C rationale

Ginkgo biloba can interact with aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, increasing the risk of bleeding. This is crucial information for the patient, especially if they are taking these medications.

Choice D rationale

While anxiety and headaches can increase with the use of ginkgo biloba, these are not the most critical side effects to be aware of.

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A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose.Which assessment provides the nurse with the best information to evaluate the patient’s therapeutic response to the drug?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient in a residential treatment facility uses a fluticasone propionate and salmeterol discus inhalation system to manage asthma.This system delivers an inhaled powdered form of these combined medications. What instruction should the nurse provide to this patient’s caregivers?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A female patient with multiple sclerosis reports less fatigue and improved memory since she started using the herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba.What is the most important information for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for this patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose.
Which assessment provides the nurse with the best information to evaluate the patient’s therapeutic response to the drug?