Lactulose is ordered for a patient with liver disease. What would indicate the medication is exerting a positive therapeutic effect on the patient?
Decreased ascites
Decreased ammonia level
Decreased jaundice
Decreased blood pressure,
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["125"]
Explanation
`To calculate the rate of infusion in mL/h, you need to divide the total volume of fluid by the total time of infusion.
In this case, you have 1,000 mL of normal saline (NS) to infuse in eight hours.
Therefore, the rate of infusion is 1,000 mL / 8 h = 125 mL/h.
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Each tablet contains 8 mg of the active ingredient, candesartan. The physician has ordered 16 mg of Atacand, which means you need to give two tablets. You can use this formula to find the number of tablets:
Number of tablets = Ordered dose / Tablet strength
Number of tablets = 16 mg / 8 mg
Number of tablets = 2
Therefore, you would administer two tablets of Atacand to the patient.
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