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 B
Explanation
A. "I feel so much better after eating."This is most consistent with a duodenal ulcer, where pain is relieved by food (but often returns 2–3 hours later). Gastric ulcers, on the other hand, may worsen with eating.
B. "The pain is worse after I eat a meal high in fat."Fatty food intolerance and postprandial pain are more characteristic of gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis/cholecystitis), not PUD.
C. "The pain radiates down to my lower back."Pain radiating to the back is more typical of pancreatitis, not PUD.
D. "My pain is relieved by having a bowel movement."Relief of abdominal pain with a bowel movement suggests irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), not PUD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce the symptoms of GERD during sleep. By elevating the head, gravity can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, reducing the occurrence of reflux.
The other statements do not demonstrate an understanding of the teaching: "I will sleep on my stomach with my head flat": Sleeping on the stomach can actually worsen the symptoms of GERD as it can increase the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It is generally recommended to sleep on the left side or back to minimize reflux.
"I will have a snack 1 hour before going to bed": Consuming a snack close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of reflux during sleep. It is generally recommended to avoid eating at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down to minimize reflux symptoms.
"I can have 6 ounces of alcohol before bed, to help me sleep": Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increase the risk of reflux. It is best to avoid alcohol before bedtime, especially for individuals with GERD.
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