A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lactulose to a client diagnosed with cirrhosis. The client states, "I don't need this medication. I am not constipated." The nurse should explain that in clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of which of the following components in the bloodstream?

Potassium

Ammonia

Glucose

Bicarbonate

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Lactulose is not used to decrease potassium levels. It is a laxative that works by drawing water into the colon, softening stools and promoting bowel movements.

B. Lactulose is used to decrease ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism, and when the liver is compromised, it may not effectively convert ammonia into urea, leading to elevated ammonia levels in the bloodstream. Lactulose helps reduce ammonia absorption in the colon.

C. Lactulose does not decrease glucose levels significantly. It is not primarily used as an antidiabetic medication.

D. Lactulose does not affect bicarbonate levels significantly. It primarily targets ammonia reduction in clients with cirrhosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Limit fluid intake not related to meals:

While staying hydrated is important, it's generally recommended to limit fluid intake not related to meals to avoid overfilling the stomach and putting excess pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). However, this is not as specific to GERD management as the option B.

B. Avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime:

This is a key recommendation for managing GERD. Eating close to bedtime increases the likelihood of stomach contents refluxing into the esophagus when lying down. Waiting at least 3 hours after eating before lying down can help prevent symptoms.

C. Chew on mint leaves to relieve indigestion:

Mint, including mint leaves, can relax the LES, potentially worsening GERD symptoms. It is not recommended for managing GERD.

D. Season foods with black pepper:

While black pepper itself is not a common trigger for GERD, highly spicy or peppery foods can sometimes exacerbate symptoms in individuals with GERD. It's advisable to pay attention to personal triggers and adjust the diet accordingly.

A. Avoid foods high in fat. B. Include foods high in starch and proteins. C. Include foods high in fiber. D. Avoid foods high in sodium.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Avoid foods high in fat:

Dietary fat can trigger the gallbladder to release bile, and for individuals with chronic cholecystitis, high-fat meals can exacerbate symptoms such as biliary colic. Therefore, advising the client to avoid foods high in fat can help manage symptoms.

B. Include foods high in starch and proteins:

While protein-rich foods can be included in the diet, a high-fat content should be avoided. Starches can be a part of a balanced diet, but it's essential to focus on low-fat options.

C. Include foods high in fiber:

Including foods high in fiber is generally a good recommendation for digestive health. However, the emphasis here is on avoiding high-fat foods, and the recommendation for fiber should not overshadow the importance of minimizing dietary fat.

D. Avoid foods high in sodium:

Sodium restriction may be relevant for certain health conditions, but it is not the primary dietary consideration for managing chronic cholecystitis. The emphasis in this context is on reducing dietary fat.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about managing their Illness. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is preparing dietary instructions for a client who has episodes of billary colic from chronic cholecystitis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A charge nurse is looking to motivate the staff and to produce better outcomes on the unit. Which of the following behaviors by the charge nurse will produce those results?

A nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted for an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is reviewing the medication list for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should recognize which of the following medications can cause glucose intolerance?

A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an indication of gastrointestinal perforation?

A nurse is teaching students about the use of isotonic solutions. The nurse recognizes which statements made by a student about isotonic solutions are correct. (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). When assessing the client, the nurse notes edema of the client's arm above the PICC insertion site. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan? (Select all that apply.)