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 A
Explanation
A. Aspirin and warfarin
The combination of aspirin and warfarin poses a potential risk of increased bleeding and bruising. Both aspirin and warfarin are anticoagulants, and when used together, they can potentiate each other's effects, leading to a higher risk of bleeding events, including easy bruising.
B. Sulfasalazine and acetaminophen
Sulfasalazine is often used in the treatment of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, while acetaminophen is a commonly used pain reliever. There is no significant interaction between these two medications leading to increased bleeding or bruising.
C. Tolmetin and propranolol
Tolmetin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, and propranolol is a beta-blocker used for conditions such as hypertension. While both medications have their own potential side effects, there is no specific interaction between them that significantly increases the risk of bleeding or bruising.
D. Meloxicam and amlodipine
Meloxicam is an NSAID, and amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension. Similar to option C, there is no known significant interaction between these two medications that would lead to increased bleeding or bruising.
Correct Answer is ["75"]
Explanation
To calculate the rate of IV infusion, the nurse should divide the volume of fluid by the time in hours.
In this case, 750 mL divided by 10 hours equals 75 mL per hour.
Therefore, the nurse should program the IV infusion pump for 75 mL per hour.
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