A client has been administered lactulose for several days.
Which therapeutic response should the nurse expect for a client with hepatic encephalopathy?

Improved mental status.

Increase in urine output.

Reduction in number of liquid stools.

Ability to ambulate independently.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Lactulose directly addresses the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy, which is the accumulation of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can impair brain function, leading to confusion, lethargy, and even coma. Lactulose works by trapping ammonia in the colon, where it can be safely excreted in the stool. This decrease in ammonia levels in the blood allows for the improvement of mental status.

Studies have consistently shown that lactulose therapy can significantly improve mental function in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. This improvement is often seen within a few days of starting treatment.

The nurse should assess the client's mental status regularly to monitor for improvement. This assessment should include evaluating the client's level of consciousness, orientation, attention, memory, and speech.

Improved mental status is a critical therapeutic goal in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. It allows patients to regain their independence and participate more fully in their care.

Choice B rationale:

While lactulose can cause diarrhea, which may lead to a slight increase in urine output, this is not the primary therapeutic response that the nurse should expect.

The increase in urine output is typically secondary to the diarrhea and does not directly reflect a reduction in ammonia levels or improvement in mental status.

Choice C rationale:

Lactulose does cause diarrhea, which is a common side effect of the medication.

However, the goal of lactulose therapy is not to reduce the number of liquid stools but rather to trap ammonia in the colon and promote its excretion.

The nurse should monitor the client's stool frequency and consistency to ensure that they are not experiencing excessive diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Choice D rationale:

While improved mental status may eventually lead to improved mobility, it is not the most immediate or direct therapeutic response that the nurse should expect from lactulose therapy.

The ability to ambulate independently is more likely to be a long-term goal of treatment, rather than an immediate response to lactulose.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is the most likely diagnosis given the rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates within a 24-hour period. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The presence of pulmonary infiltrates on imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, is a key diagnostic feature of pneumonia.

The distribution of the infiltrates, involving the lower lobes with a predominance on the right side, is also consistent with pneumonia. This is because the lower lobes are more susceptible to pneumonia due to their anatomy and gravity.

The absence of active processes on Day 1 makes other diagnoses less likely. For example, tuberculosis typically develops more slowly over weeks or months, and bronchitis usually does not cause pulmonary infiltrates.

Pulmonary embolism can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.

Choice B rationale:

Tuberculosis is a chronic infection that typically develops slowly over weeks or months. It is less likely to cause rapid development of pulmonary infiltrates as seen in this case.

Tuberculosis often involves the upper lobes of the lungs, and it may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Choice C rationale:

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air to the lungs. It typically causes a cough, but it does not usually cause pulmonary infiltrates.

Bronchitis is often caused by a virus, and it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Choice D rationale:

Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of a pulmonary artery, one of the blood vessels that carries blood to the lungs. It can cause pulmonary infiltrates, but it would typically be associated with other symptoms such as sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.

Pulmonary embolism is often caused by a blood clot that travels from a vein in the leg to the lungs.

A. Proliferation of suppressor T-cells. B. Deficiency of cytotoxic T-cells. C. Increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM. D. Destruction of helper T-cells and CD4 cells.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. Suppressor T-cells (also known as regulatory T-cells) play a role in regulating the immune response, but their proliferation is not the primary mechanism by which HIV suppresses the immune system. In fact, HIV can disrupt the function of suppressor T-cells, leading to an impaired ability to control immune responses.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. Cytotoxic T-cells (also known as CD8+ T-cells) are important for killing infected cells, but their deficiency is not the direct cause of immune suppression in HIV. However, HIV can indirectly lead to a deficiency of cytotoxic T-cells by disrupting their production and function.

Choice C rationale:

Incorrect. B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, and IgM is an early antibody produced in response to infection. However, an increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM is not characteristic of HIV infection. In fact, HIV can impair B-cell function, leading to decreased antibody production.

Choice D rationale:

Correct. HIV primarily targets and destroys helper T-cells (also known as CD4+ T-cells). These cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by activating other immune cells, such as cytotoxic T-cells and B-cells. The depletion of helper T-cells leads to a progressive weakening of the immune system, rendering the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.

Specific mechanisms of CD4+ T-cell destruction by HIV:

Direct infection and lysis: HIV can directly infect CD4+ T-cells and replicate within them, eventually leading to the death of the infected cells.

CD4+ T-cell apoptosis: HIV can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in CD4+ T-cells through various mechanisms, including the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways and the disruption of anti-apoptotic signals.

Immune dysregulation: HIV infection can also dysregulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and immune activation. This can further contribute to CD4+ T-cell depletion and dysfunction.

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A client has been administered lactulose for several days.Which therapeutic response should the nurse expect for a client with hepatic encephalopathy?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a group of clients who were found to be HIV positive within the last year. Members of the group express an interest in learning about the pathology of AIDS.The nurse should explain that HIV acts in which way to suppress the immune system?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A client has been administered lactulose for several days.
Which therapeutic response should the nurse expect for a client with hepatic encephalopathy?