Lactulose is ordered for a patient with liver disease. What would indicate the medication is exerting a positive therapeutic effect on the patient?

Decreased ascites

Decreased ammonia level

Decreased jaundice

Decreased blood pressure,

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Increase the amount of dopamine and reduce the amount of acetylcholine:

This is the correct answer. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, so medications aim to increase dopamine levels. Additionally, reducing the activity of acetylcholine helps to restore the balance between these neurotransmitters.

B. Increase the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:

This is not accurate. Increasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would not address the underlying imbalance seen in Parkinson's disease.

C. Reduce the amount of dopamine and increase the amount of acetylcholine:

This is incorrect. Parkinson's disease involves a reduction in dopamine levels, so reducing dopamine further would worsen the symptoms. Additionally, increasing acetylcholine is not the therapeutic goal in Parkinson's disease.

D. Reduce the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:

This is not the correct approach. Decreasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as the primary issue is the deficiency of dopamine.

A. Call the health carer provider immediately to change the medication to oral. B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient. C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion. D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Call the health care provider immediately to change the medication to oral.

Changing the medication to oral may not address the immediate issue of the burning sensation and feeling of heat at the IV site. This option focuses on changing the route of administration rather than addressing the current discomfort.

B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient.

Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's discomfort could lead to potential complications, and it is important to prioritize patient comfort and safety. Reassurance alone may not be sufficient if there is an issue with the IV site.

C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion.

While flushing the line with normal saline is a good practice to ensure patency, it may not resolve the issue if there is ongoing irritation or infiltration at the site. Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's complaint might lead to further discomfort.

D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site.

This is the best action. Discontinuing the IV allows the nurse to assess the current site for signs of infiltration or irritation. Restarting the IV in a different site addresses the immediate issue, ensuring that the medication is delivered safely and effectively.

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Lactulose is ordered for a patient with liver disease. What would indicate the medication is exerting a positive therapeutic effect on the patient?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What does the pharmacotherapy for Parkinson's disease intended to do?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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