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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Calcium:
While calcium levels can be affected in pancreatitis, it is more commonly associated with a decrease in calcium levels due to fat necrosis and the formation of calcium soaps. However, the primary electrolyte disturbance is more likely to involve magnesium.
B. Magnesium:
Magnesium levels may be decreased in acute pancreatitis due to factors such as vomiting, malabsorption, and poor oral intake. Hypomagnesemia is a possible consequence, but it's not as specific to pancreatitis as the elevation of amylase.
C. Amylase:
Elevated amylase levels are a hallmark of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme released by the pancreas, and its elevation in the blood is a key diagnostic marker for pancreatitis.
D. RBC count:
Acute pancreatitis does not typically result in a significant impact on the red blood cell (RBC) count. The elevation of amylase and lipase levels, along with imaging studies, is more indicative of pancreatitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Clean the peristomal skin four times a day:
While keeping the peristomal skin clean is essential, cleaning it four times a day might be excessive and could lead to skin irritation. Typically, cleansing the area when changing the pouch or as needed is sufficient.
B. Hold pressure on the skin barrier for 10 to 15 seconds to secure the seal:
Applying gentle pressure upon application can assist in securing the seal, but the duration might vary based on the manufacturer's recommendations. It's important not to overly press or manipulate the barrier excessively, as it could cause skin trauma.
C. Empty the pouch when it is 1/3 full:
This is the correct advice. Regularly emptying the pouch prevents leakage and ensures the pouch does not become too heavy or cause skin irritation from weight or pressure.
D. Expect firm fecal content:
With an ileostomy, the fecal content tends to be more liquid compared to other types of ostomies like colostomies, so expecting firm fecal content might not be accurate for this situation.
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