Order: 1,000 mL. NS to infuse in eight hours. At what rate in mL/h will you set the pump?

A. A respiratory rate of 14

A respiratory rate of 14 is within the normal range and is not typically a reason to hold benztropine. Respiratory depression is not a common side effect of this medication.

B. A pulse of 102

A pulse rate of 102 is also within the normal range, and changes in heart rate are generally not a prominent side effect of benztropine. This finding alone is not a typical reason to hold the medication.

C. Blood pressure of 88/60 mmHg

This is the correct choice. Anticholinergic medications, like benztropine, can cause side effects such as a decrease in blood pressure. A blood pressure of 88/60 mmHg may be a concern, and the nurse should hold the dose and notify the physician.

D. A temperature of 100.2°F

An elevated temperature of 100.2°F is not a direct contraindication to benztropine administration. Fever is not a typical side effect of this medication, so an increased temperature alone is not a reason to hold the dose.

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.