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 B

Explanation

B. Redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are classic signs of an exit site infection in peritoneal dialysis. Exit site infections are a common complication of peritoneal dialysis and can lead to more serious complications, such as peritonitis, if not promptly treated. Preventing exit site infections through proper catheter care and hygiene is essential in peritoneal dialysis management.
A. While outflow obstruction can occur in peritoneal dialysis, it typically presents with symptoms such as poor drainage of dialysate fluid, abdominal discomfort, and a decrease in dialysis efficiency. The described findings of redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are more indicative of a localized issue rather than outflow obstruction.
C. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a part or the entire lung. While it can occur in hospitalized patients, especially those with underlying respiratory conditions, the described findings are not indicative of atelectasis. Atelectasis typically presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and decreased breath sounds on auscultation.
D. Peritonitis is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis characterized by inflammation and infection of the peritoneal lining. While redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site may precede peritonitis, the focus of concern in this scenario is primarily on preventing exit site infection, which, if left untreated, can progress to peritonitis.

A. Risk for injury related to effects of thrombolysis. B. Activity intolerance related to ischemia. C. Ineffective breathing pattern related to adverse drug effects. D. Deficient knowledge related to a new medication regimen.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Clients receiving thrombolytic therapy are at an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest as internal bleeding, hemorrhage at vascular access sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or intracranial bleeding. The nurse's priority is to closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as sudden onset or worsening of headache, changes in level of consciousness, hematuria, melena, ecchymosis, or hematoma formation.
B. While activity intolerance is a common nursing diagnosis for clients following an acute myocardial infarction due to myocardial ischemia, it is not the priority in this case where the client is actively receiving thrombolytic therapy.
C. While respiratory complications can occur following thrombolytic therapy, such as pulmonary embolism or bleeding into the lungs, the risk of bleeding complications takes precedence as the priority nursing problem for this client.
D. Education about the new medication regimen is important for client understanding and adherence, but it is not the priority nursing problem in the immediate post-thrombolytic therapy period.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis exhibits redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site on the abdominal wall. While planning care, the nurse is most concerned about preventing which complication related to these findings?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client receiving thrombolytic therapy following an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which nursing problem should the nurse identify as priority for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

The nurse is caring for a client with chemotherapy induced mucositis who is describing soreness of the tongue and oral tissues. Which is the best initial nursing action?

A postoperative client reports incisional pain. The client has two prescriptions for PRN analgesia that accompanied the client from the postanesthesia unit. Before selecting which medication to administer, which action should the nurse implement?

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 who had a biliopancreatic diversion procedure (BDP) 3 months ago is admitted with severe dehydration. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

While assisting a client to the toilet, the client begins to have a seizure and the nurse eases the client to the floor. The nurse calls for help and monitors the client until the seizing stops. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus arrives to the clinic reporting episodes of weakness and palpitations. Which finding is most important for the nurse to monitor?