A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lactulose to a client who has 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
Bicarbonate
Glucose
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Potassium levels are not directly affected by lactulose. While cirrhosis can lead to imbalances in electrolytes, including potassium, lactulose is not used to manage potassium levels in the bloodstream.
Choice B rationale
Ammonia is produced by the breakdown of proteins in the intestines and is normally processed by the liver. In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to convert ammonia to urea is impaired, leading to increased levels in the blood. Lactulose helps reduce blood ammonia levels by converting it into ammonium, which is then excreted.
Choice C rationale
Bicarbonate levels are related to the body's pH balance and are not the target of lactulose treatment. Cirrhosis does not typically result in bicarbonate imbalances that would be treated with lactulose.
Choice D rationale
Glucose levels are managed by insulin and other metabolic processes, not lactulose. While cirrhosis can affect overall metabolism, lactulose does not have a direct effect on blood glucose levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Proteinuria, or the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, is a hallmark sign of glomerulonephritis. It occurs due to the increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension is often associated with glomerulonephritis. The damage to the glomeruli can lead to salt and water retention, contributing to high blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Periorbital edema, which is swelling around the eyes, is a common early symptom of glomerulonephritis. It is caused by fluid retention and leakage into the tissue.
Choice D rationale
Hypotension is not typically associated with glomerulonephritis. In fact, hypertension is more common due to the reasons mentioned above.
Choice E rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is another common finding in glomerulonephritis. It results from the inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not a typical manifestation of pyelonephritis. While it can be present due to other underlying conditions, it is not directly related to pyelonephritis.
Choice B rationale
Frequency, or the need to urinate more often, is a common symptom of pyelonephritis as the infection can irritate the bladder and urinary tract.
Choice C rationale
Flank pain is a classic symptom of pyelonephritis. It is usually located on the side of the affected kidney and can be quite severe.
Choice D rationale
Neck pain is not associated with pyelonephritis. It is more likely related to musculoskeletal issues or other non-urinary tract conditions.
Choice E rationale
Costovertebral tenderness, which is tenderness felt on tapping the back where the ribs meet the spine, is indicative of kidney infection and is expected in pyelonephritis.
Choice F rationale
Urgency, or a sudden, strong need to urinate, is another symptom of pyelonephritis due to inflammation and irritation in the urinary system.
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