The healthcare provider prescribes lactulose for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. What will the nurse assess to determine the effectiveness of this medication?

Decreased ammonia levels

Relief of constipation

Decreased liver enzymes

Relief of abdominal pain

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy primarily to lower blood ammonia levels. It works by converting ammonia in the intestines into ammonium, which is then excreted³. Therefore, a decrease in ammonia levels would indicate the effectiveness of the medication.

Choice B reason:While lactulose can relieve constipation due to its laxative effect, relief of constipation is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness in treating hepatic encephalopathy³.

Choice C reason:Decreased liver enzymes are not a direct measure of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. Liver enzymes are indicators of liver function, not ammonia levels³.

Choice D reason:Relief of abdominal pain is not a specific indicator of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. The medication's primary role is to reduce ammonia levels, not to alleviate pain³.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

This set of values indicates metabolic acidosis, which is common in chronic kidney disease due to the accumulation of acids in the body as the kidneys fail to eliminate them effectively³.

Choice B reason:

A pH of 7.50 is considered alkalotic, and while HCO3- and PaCO2 are within normal ranges, this set of values does not typically represent chronic kidney disease.

Choice C reason:

A pH of 7.55 is also alkalotic, and an HCO3- of 30 mEq/L indicates metabolic alkalosis, which is not characteristic of chronic kidney disease.

Choice D reason:

While a pH of 7.30 is on the lower end of the normal range, an HCO3- of 26 mEq/L is within the normal range, and a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis, not typically seen in chronic kidney disease without concurrent respiratory issues.

A. Frequent nosebleeds and bruising B. Urinary retention C. No bowel movement in three days D. Increased blood glucose

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Frequent nosebleeds and bruising are indicative of coagulopathy, a common complication in advanced cirrhosis due to the liver's impaired ability to synthesize clotting factors. This can lead to an increased tendency to bleed.

Choice B reason: Urinary retention is not typically associated with cirrhosis. Instead, cirrhosis can lead to renal dysfunction known as hepatorenal syndrome, characterized by the failure of the kidneys to filter waste from the blood².

Choice C reason: While constipation can occur in cirrhosis, no bowel movement in three days is not a direct complication of cirrhosis. However, it could be related to the overall health status of the patient or medications used.

Choice D reason: Increased blood glucose is not a direct complication of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis primarily affects the metabolism of proteins and fats and does not directly cause hyperglycemia unless there is concurrent diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

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The healthcare provider prescribes lactulose for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. What will the nurse assess to determine the effectiveness of this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

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