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,
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["100"]
Explanation
To calculate the infusion rate for gentamicin, the nurse needs to use the following formula:
infusion rate (mL/h) = volume (mL) x 60 / time (min).
Plugging in the given values, we get: infusion rate (mL/h) = 50 x 60 / 30 = 100.
Therefore, the nurse would program the electronic infusion pump at 100 mL/h.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carbidopa-levodopa
The symptoms described, including a shuffling gait, lack of facial expression, and tremors at rest, are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa-levodopa is a common medication used in the management of Parkinson's disease.
B. Donepezil
Donepezil is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, a condition characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment. It is not indicated for Parkinson's disease.
C. Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is another medication used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and it is also used in Parkinson's disease dementia. However, it is not the primary medication for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
D. Tacrine
Tacrine was once used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, but it is no longer commonly prescribed due to safety concerns and the availability of newer, safer medications. It is not indicated for Parkinson's disease.
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