Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) has been ordered for a patient who is constipated. The nurse realizes the drug:

A. Give the child fluids and proceed to the emergency department.
While giving the child fluids is generally important, proceeding to the emergency department without consulting poison control may not be the most appropriate initial action. Poison control can provide specific guidance based on the substance ingested.

B. Call the poison control center and follow directions.
The safest advice for a toddler who has ingested a small amount of household cleaning fluid is to call the poison control center and follow their directions. Poison control centers are staffed with professionals who can provide specific guidance based on the type and amount of the ingested substance. They can advise on the appropriate steps to take, such as whether immediate medical attention is needed or if monitoring at home is sufficient.

C. Administer syrup of ipecac and monitor for vomiting.
The use of syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended as a routine measure for ingested substances. It can have adverse effects and may not be effective for all substances. Consulting poison control for guidance is considered a more appropriate approach.

D. Have the toddler eat bread to absorb the substance.
The ingestion of certain substances may not be effectively addressed by having the toddler eat bread. The specific advice for management should come from poison control, which can provide evidence-based guidance.

A. Decreased ascites

Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) is more directly related to portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. While lactulose may contribute to fluid balance, its primary therapeutic effect in hepatic encephalopathy is the reduction of ammonia levels.

B. Decreased ammonia level

Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with liver disease. The therapeutic effect of lactulose in this context is to reduce blood ammonia levels. Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the form of ammonium ions in the colon, thereby lowering ammonia concentrations in the blood.

C. Decreased jaundice

Jaundice is often associated with liver dysfunction, but lactulose is not primarily used to address jaundice. Its primary role in liver disease is in the management of hepatic encephalopathy.

D. Decreased blood pressure

Blood pressure is not a direct therapeutic target of lactulose in the context of liver disease. Lactulose's primary therapeutic effect is related to reducing ammonia levels and managing hepatic encephalopathy.