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Lactulose is ordered for a patient with liver disease. What would indicate the medication is exerting a positive therapeutic effect on the patient?

A.

Decreased ascites

B.

Decreased ammonia level

C.

Decreased jaundice

D.

Decreased blood pressure,

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Decreased ascites

Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) is more directly related to portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. While lactulose may contribute to fluid balance, its primary therapeutic effect in hepatic encephalopathy is the reduction of ammonia levels.

B. Decreased ammonia level

Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with liver disease. The therapeutic effect of lactulose in this context is to reduce blood ammonia levels. Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the form of ammonium ions in the colon, thereby lowering ammonia concentrations in the blood.

C. Decreased jaundice

Jaundice is often associated with liver dysfunction, but lactulose is not primarily used to address jaundice. Its primary role in liver disease is in the management of hepatic encephalopathy.

D. Decreased blood pressure

Blood pressure is not a direct therapeutic target of lactulose in the context of liver disease. Lactulose's primary therapeutic effect is related to reducing ammonia levels and managing hepatic encephalopathy.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A learning disorder and muscle paralysis

This description does not align with the typical symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is characterized by core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Muscle paralysis is not a recognized symptom of ADHD.

B. Nervousness and sleeplessness

While some individuals with ADHD may experience difficulties with sleep, nervousness and sleeplessness are not the primary symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is more characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

C. Hyperactivity and decreased attention span

This is the correct choice. Hyperactivity and a decreased attention span are core symptoms of ADHD. Children with ADHD often display impulsive behaviors, have difficulty sustaining attention, and may be overly active.

D. Hyperactivity and nervousness

While hyperactivity is a common symptom of ADHD, nervousness is not typically described as a core symptom. ADHD is more characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention difficulties.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Increase the amount of dopamine and reduce the amount of acetylcholine:

This is the correct answer. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, so medications aim to increase dopamine levels. Additionally, reducing the activity of acetylcholine helps to restore the balance between these neurotransmitters.

B. Increase the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:

This is not accurate. Increasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would not address the underlying imbalance seen in Parkinson's disease.

C. Reduce the amount of dopamine and increase the amount of acetylcholine:

This is incorrect. Parkinson's disease involves a reduction in dopamine levels, so reducing dopamine further would worsen the symptoms. Additionally, increasing acetylcholine is not the therapeutic goal in Parkinson's disease.

D. Reduce the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:

This is not the correct approach. Decreasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as the primary issue is the deficiency of dopamine.

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