The healthcare provider prescribes lactulose for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. What will the nurse assess to determine the effectiveness of this medication?
Decreased ammonia levels
Relief of constipation
Decreased liver enzymes
Relief of abdominal pain
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy primarily to lower blood ammonia levels. It works by converting ammonia in the intestines into ammonium, which is then excreted³. Therefore, a decrease in ammonia levels would indicate the effectiveness of the medication.
Choice B reason:While lactulose can relieve constipation due to its laxative effect, relief of constipation is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness in treating hepatic encephalopathy³.
Choice C reason:Decreased liver enzymes are not a direct measure of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. Liver enzymes are indicators of liver function, not ammonia levels³.
Choice D reason:Relief of abdominal pain is not a specific indicator of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. The medication's primary role is to reduce ammonia levels, not to alleviate pain³.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypoxemia, or low oxygen levels in the blood, is a primary indicator of ARF as the lungs are unable to adequately oxygenate the blood.
Choice B reason: Confusion can result from hypoxemia or hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels) as the brain is sensitive to changes in blood gas levels.
Choice C reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of ARF as the lungs struggle to maintain adequate gas exchange.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with ARF. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is more common as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxemia.
Choice E reason: Hypocarbia, or low carbon dioxide levels, can occur in ARF if the body is attempting to compensate for hypoxemia by hyperventilating.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and HCO3, which is not the case here.
Choice B reason: Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and a decreased PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a decreased pH and HCO3, which aligns with the ABG findings provided.
Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis would present with a decreased pH and an elevated PaCO2, which is not the case here.
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