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 ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Is used to replace fluid loss.
Isotonic solutions, such as normal saline (0.9% NaCl) and lactated Ringer's solution, are used to replace fluid loss in situations such as dehydration, surgery, trauma, or other conditions where there is a need for fluid resuscitation.
B. Usually do not provide calories.
Isotonic solutions typically do not contain calories. They are designed primarily for fluid replacement and do not contribute to the nutritional needs of the patient.
C. Does not expand intravascular volume.
This statement is incorrect. Isotonic solutions are used to expand intravascular volume. When infused into the bloodstream, isotonic solutions help restore and maintain adequate blood volume. They do not cause significant shifts of fluids between compartments.
D. Mostly do not provide free water.
Isotonic solutions generally do not provide free water. They have the same osmolality as body fluids, meaning that they do not cause a net movement of water into or out of cells, and they maintain the osmotic balance.
E. Has the same osmolality as body fluids.
Isotonic solutions have the same osmolality as body fluids, which means they do not cause a net movement of water into or out of cells. This characteristic makes them suitable for situations where there is a need to expand intravascular volume without causing significant shifts in fluid compartments.
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.
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