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.
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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
Explanation
Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is the increased excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to low potassium levels in the body, known as hypokalemia. The other medications mentioned do not typically place the client at risk for hypokalemia: Acyclovir 400 mg PO twice daily: Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as herpes. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Cimetidine 300 mg PO four times per day: Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
Meloxicam 5 mg PO once daily: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
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