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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering oxygen therapy is the first and immediate intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to address hypoxemia.

Choice B reason: Starting an IV infusion of Lactated Ringer's is important for fluid resuscitation but is not the first intervention for pulmonary embolism.

Choice C reason: Initiating cardiac monitoring is important for observing the client's heart function but comes after ensuring the client is receiving adequate oxygen.

Choice D reason: Giving morphine IV may be used for pain management in pulmonary embolism but is not the first-line intervention.

A. Topical ointment B. Sustained-release C. Sublingual D. Transdermal patch

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A: Topical ointment Topical ointment forms of nitroglycerin are used for their long-acting effects. The medication is absorbed slowly through the skin, providing a steady level of drug in the bloodstream. This form is not designed for rapid relief of acute angina attacks but rather for prevention.

Choice B: Sustained-release Sustained-release forms of nitroglycerin are designed to release the medication slowly over an extended period. This route is also not suitable for treating acute symptoms because it does not provide immediate relief but is used for long-term management of angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a medication used primarily to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) and heart failure. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles and dilating the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the heart and decreases its workload. The route of administration can significantly affect the onset and duration of the medication’s action.

Choice C: Sublingual The sublingual route, where the medication is placed under the tongue, allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in the area. This form of nitroglycerin acts quickly, usually within 1 to 3 minutes, and is the preferred choice for immediate relief of angina pain. When rapid onset is required for relief from acute angina symptoms, the sublingual route is the most appropriate choice for administering nitroglycerin. It provides quick absorption and fast action, making it an essential treatment option for patients experiencing chest pain due to angina.

Choice D: Transdermal patch Transdermal patches release nitroglycerin slowly through the skin and into the bloodstream. Like topical ointments and sustained-release forms, they are used for long-term prophylaxis of angina and not for rapid relief.

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The healthcare provider prescribes lactulose for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. What will the nurse assess to determine the effectiveness of this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the administration of nitroglycerin. Which of the following routes of administration provides the most rapid onset for the client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The healthcare provider has determined that a client has contracted hepatitis A based on flu-like symptoms and jaundice. Which statement made by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A client is admitted to the medical unit with acute pancreatitis. While planning care for this client, the nurse will include which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply).

The nurse is reviewing laboratory test results for the client with liver disease and notes that the client's albumin level is low. Which nursing assessment indicates low albumin levels?

A nurse is completing an assessment of a client who has a gastric ulcer. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) values of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?

A nurse is obtaining a health history for a client with chronic pancreatitis. Which of the following indicates the primary cause of the client's condition?

A client presents with a possible bowel obstruction, and the nurse completes a detailed abdominal assessment. Which of the following clinical manifestations are consistent with a large bowel obstruction? (Select all that apply).