Lactulose was prescribed two days ago for a client who was recently diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy. The client is confused and experiencing frequent loose stools. Laboratory findings show an elevated serum ammonia (NH) level of 220 μg/dL (157.1 μmol/dL). Which action should the nurse take?

Reference Range:

Ammonia [10 to 80 μg/dL (6 to 47 μmol/L)]

Hold the next dose of lactulose.

Continue the prescribed dose of lactulose.

Replace total volume voided with oral or IV fluids.

Report the number of diarrhea stools to the healthcare provider (HCP).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Lactulose works by acidifying the colonic contents, which promotes the conversion of ammonia (NH3) to ammonium (NH4+). Ammonium is less readily absorbed from the colon into the bloodstream, reducing systemic ammonia levels. This action helps alleviate the neurotoxic effects of ammonia on the brain, thereby improving neurological symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy.
A. Lactulose is required in clients with hepatic encephalopathy to excrete ammonia lowering its levels in blood. Holding the lactulose dose is inappropriate as the client’s ammonia levels are still high
C. Rehydrating the clients to replace lost fluids in the loose stools is important but does not address
the client’s elevated ammonia levels which may be exacerbating the client’s encephalopathy.
D. Reporting the number of diarrhea stools to the healthcare provider is important for ongoing assessment and management of the client's condition. However, it does not address the clients high ammonia levels.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]

Explanation

A. Patients with respiratory distress often prefer to sit upright or in a tripod position to ease breathing by allowing maximal lung expansion. Sitting upright helps relieve pressure on the diaphragm and allows better air exchange in the lungs.
B. Chest tightness is a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. It can result from bronchoconstriction, inflammation, or accumulation of mucus in the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
D. An increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) may indicate respiratory distress or difficulty breathing. Tachypnea is a compensatory mechanism to increase oxygen intake or remove carbon dioxide from the body when lung function is compromised.
E. Restlessness can be a cue for a respiratory problem. Patients experiencing respiratory distress may exhibit restlessness due to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), discomfort, or anxiety related to difficulty breathing.
F. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a significant cue for a respiratory problem. It is a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Dyspnea may range from mild to severe and can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and functional status.
G. A pulse oxygenation level of 85% indicates hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and is a significant cue for a respiratory problem. Hypoxemia can result from various respiratory conditions or inadequate ventilation and may lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction if left untreated.
C. Medication compliance is not directly indicative of a respiratory problem. However, it may be relevant to managing respiratory conditions if the patient requires medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids to control symptoms or prevent exacerbations.
H. While an elevated heart rate (tachycardia) can be associated with respiratory distress, it is not specific to respiratory problems and may occur in response to other stressors or medical conditions.
I. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight and is not directly indicative of a respiratory problem. However, obesity is a risk factor for respiratory conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

A. Release the traction so the client can use a bedpan. B. Log roll the client and place adult disposable briefs beneath the client. C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter preoperatively. D. Maintain traction while the client uses a urinal.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Releasing traction to use a bedpan may cause pain and discomfort to the client and risk exacerbating the fracture or compromising the alignment needed for surgery.
B. Log rolling the client and placing adult disposable briefs beneath them may not be suitable because it involves movement that can disrupt traction and worsen the client's pain.
Additionally, disposable briefs may not adequately manage urinary output, especially for a client awaiting surgery.

C.While using a catheter can be an option, it is generally not the first intervention unless the client is unable to void by other means or has a specific indication for catheterization. It carries risks, including infection, and should be considered carefully.
D. The nurse can assist the client in using a urinal while ensuring that traction is maintained. This allows the client to urinate without disrupting the traction setup, minimizing the risk of complications associated with the fracture.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Patient Data Exhibits What finding(s) are cues for a respiratory problem? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]

Explanation

A client who fractured the right femur from a fall at home is placed in traction while awaiting surgery. When the client informs the nurse of the need to urinate, which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with a cervical spinal injury (C7) is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should first assess the client for which precipitating factor?

A client is hospitalized with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbation and is being treated with a corticosteroid. The client develops a rigid abdomen with rebound lendemess. Which action should the nurse take?

A client experiencing a sudden onset of confusion and trouble speaking at home is transported to the emergency department. The client does not understand simple commands and appears very frustrated. Which intervention should the nurse perform in the immediate management of the client?

A client experiences residual effects following an acute attack of Ménière's disease and receives a new prescription for an antihistamine. Which assessment finding indicates that the medication is effective?

While caring for a client with full thickness burns covering 40% of the body, the nurse observes purulent drainage from the wounds. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which laboratory value?

A client with a right ulnar fracture and cast placement reports an increase in arm pain. Which action should the nurse take next?

An adult client newly diagnosed with left ventricular dysfunction is admitted to the hospital with fine rales and wheezing. When assessing this client, which additional finding is the nurse likely to obtain?