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 D

Explanation

Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach. The nurse should instruct the client to wait for 2 hours after meals before taking the tablet to promote the best absorption of the medication. The client should also be advised not to crush the enteric-coated tablets as this can aﬀect the medication’s eﬀectiveness.

A. Eliminate use of nonsteroidal anti-inﬂammatory drugs. (NSAIDs) B. Avoid consuming all foods that contain Iodine. C. Notify healthcare provider prior to dental procedures. D. Monitor blood glucose levels daily.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Lithium carbonate is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. However, it has a narrow therapeutic index and requires careful monitoring of serum levels to avoid toxicity. One of the major concerns with lithium therapy is the potential for drug interactions and toxicity. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can increase lithium levels by reducing its excretion and can lead to lithium toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to instruct the client to eliminate the use of NSAIDs while taking lithium.

Option b) Avoid consuming all foods that contain iodine is incorrect because iodine is not contraindicated with lithium. However, excessive iodine intake can interfere with thyroid function, which can exacerbate mood instability.

Option c) Notify healthcare provider prior to dental procedures is not specific to lithium therapy and is a general precaution that patients with bipolar disorder should follow before any medical or dental procedures.

Option d) Monitor blood glucose levels daily is also not directly related to lithium therapy. While lithium can cause diabetes insipidus, which can lead to excessive thirst and urination, it does not typically aﬀect blood glucose levels.

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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

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