A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the nest information to evaluate the client’s therapeutic response to the drug?

Fingerstick glucose.

Serum electrolytes and ammonia.

Stool color and character.

Serum hepatic enzymes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction.

Monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help the nurse evaluate the eﬀectiveness of lactulose therapy. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate that the medication is not eﬀectively reducing ammonia absorption and may require adjustment in dose or frequency. Additionally, monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect any imbalances that may occur because of lactulose therapy.

Fingerstick glucose levels (option A) are not relevant to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

Stool color and character (option C) may be monitored to assess the side eﬀects of lactulose, such as diarrhea, but are not the best assessments to evaluate therapeutic response.

Serum hepatic enzymes (option D) may be useful in assessing the severity of liver disease but are not the best assessment to evaluate the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Lovastatin is an antilipemic medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood1. It is important for clients taking lovastatin to avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase the risk of liver problems. If the client remarks that they will avoid taking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, it indicates that they understand the drug’s treatment protocol.

A. Advise the client to stop taking the drug and contact the healthcare provider. B. Ask the client to describe her dietary intake history for the last several days. C. Instruct the to increase her intake of saturated fats over the next week. D. Obtain a stool to evaluate occult blood and fat content. E. Obtain a stool to evaluate occult blood and fat content.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Orlistat works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. The side eﬀects of faty stools and ﬂatus can be managed by reducing the intake of dietary fat. The nurse should ask the client to describe her dietary intake history for the last several days to determine if she has been consuming a diet high in fat.

Based on this information, the nurse can provide appropriate dietary advice to help manage these side eﬀects.

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A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the nest information to evaluate the client’s therapeutic response to the drug?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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