A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a prescription for lactulose. Following administration, the nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
Peripheral edema
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Headache
The Correct Answer is B
After administering lactulose to a client with cirrhosis, the nurse should monitor for the adverse effects of diarrhea. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, which can occur in individuals with cirrhosis. One of the intended effects of lactulose is to promote bowel movements and reduce the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thus helping to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
While lactulose can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea, it is not typically associated with peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is often seen in cirrhosis due to fluid retention caused by liver dysfunction.
Dry mouth and headache are less commonly associated with lactulose use and are not typically the primary adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It is prescribed for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers. One of the primary goals of esomeprazole is to alleviate stomach pain and discomfort associated with excessive stomach acid.
The other statements mentioned are not directly related to the effectiveness of esomeprazole: "My feet are no longer sore and itchy": Sore and itchy feet are not typical symptoms relieved by esomeprazole. This statement does not indicate the medication's effectiveness.
"I can move my joints more easily": Improved joint mobility is not a direct effect of esomeprazole. This statement does not relate to the medication's purpose.
"My bowel movements have increased in frequency and are much softer": Esomeprazole primarily affects stomach acid production and is not directly related to bowel movements. This statement is not indicative of the medication's effectiveness.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
When reinforcing teaching with a client who has a duodenal ulcer and a new prescription for cimetidine, the nurse should include the following instructions:
"Avoid taking the medication at bedtime.": Cimetidine is most effective when taken during waking hours to help control gastric acid secretion. Taking it at bedtime may not provide optimal therapeutic benefits.
"You will need to continue taking this medication for up to 6 weeks.": Cimetidine is often prescribed for the treatment of duodenal ulcers and may require several weeks of continuous use to promote healing. It is important for the client to understand the duration of treatment and the need for adherence to the prescribed regimen.
The following statements are incorrect or not applicable:
"Drinking grapefruit juice while taking cimetidine can lead to toxicity.": Cimetidine does not have a known interaction with grapefruit juice. However, it is always important to consult the healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential drug interactions, including those related to specific foods or beverages.
"Take an antacid 30 minutes prior to taking cimetidine to minimize stomach upset.": Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing stomach acid production. It is not necessary to take an antacid prior to taking cimetidine to minimize stomach upset. However, if the client experiences stomach upset or discomfort, they should consult their healthcare provider for further guidance on managing these symptoms.
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