The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic hepatitis who is receiving the medication lactulose. Which of these laboratory results would indicate the medication is achieving the desired therapeutic effect?

Increased serum albumin

Decreased serum bilirubin

Decreased serum ammonia

Decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason: Increased Serum Albumin

Increased serum albumin is not a direct indicator of the therapeutic effect of lactulose in patients with chronic hepatitis. Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and its levels can be affected by liver function. However, lactulose primarily works by reducing ammonia levels in the blood, not by increasing albumin levels. Normal serum albumin levels range from 3.5 to 5.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). While improved liver function might eventually lead to increased albumin levels, this is not the primary therapeutic effect of lactulose.

Choice B Reason: Decreased Serum Bilirubin

Decreased serum bilirubin is also not a direct indicator of lactulose’s therapeutic effect. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver. Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction, but lactulose’s main role is to reduce ammonia levels, not bilirubin. Normal serum bilirubin levels are typically between 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). While improved liver function might reduce bilirubin levels, this is not the primary goal of lactulose therapy.

Choice C Reason: Decreased Serum Ammonia

Decreased serum ammonia is the correct indicator of the therapeutic effect of lactulose in patients with chronic hepatitis. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a condition caused by high levels of ammonia in the blood due to liver dysfunction. Lactulose works by converting ammonia into ammonium, which is then excreted from the body. Normal serum ammonia levels are less than 50 micromoles per liter (µmol/L) in adults56. A decrease in serum ammonia levels indicates that lactulose is effectively reducing the toxic levels of ammonia in the blood, thereby achieving its desired therapeutic effect.

Choice D Reason: Decreased Serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

Decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is not a direct indicator of lactulose’s therapeutic effect. ALT is an enzyme found in the liver that helps convert proteins into energy for liver cells. Elevated ALT levels can indicate liver damage. Normal ALT levels range from 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L). While improved liver function might reduce ALT levels, lactulose’s primary role is to reduce ammonia levels, not directly affect ALT.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment

Choice A Reason:

Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment

This is the correct answer. A quiet, low-stimulus environment helps to reduce the metabolic demands on the body and prevent overstimulation, which can trigger a thyroid crisis. Hyperthyroidism increases the body’s metabolic rate, and excessive stimulation can exacerbate symptoms and lead to a crisis. Therefore, creating a calm environment is crucial in managing hyperthyroidism and preventing complications.

Choice B Reason:

Keep the client NPO

Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary for preventing a thyroid crisis. While it may be required for certain procedures or if the client is experiencing severe symptoms, it is not a standard intervention for hyperthyroidism management. Therefore, this choice is not correct.

Choice C Reason:

Administer aspirin as prescribed for any sign of hyperthermia

Administering aspirin for hyperthermia is not recommended in clients with hyperthyroidism. Aspirin can increase free thyroid hormone levels by displacing thyroid hormones from their binding proteins, potentially worsening hyperthyroidism. Instead, other antipyretics like acetaminophen are preferred. Therefore, this choice is not correct.

Choice D Reason:

Observe the client carefully for signs of hypocalcemia

Observing for signs of hypocalcemia is not directly related to preventing a thyroid crisis. Hypocalcemia is more commonly associated with thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy rather than hyperthyroidism itself. Therefore, this choice is not correct.

A. Excessive salivation B. Dyspepsia C. Regurgitation D. Blood-tinged sputum E. Flatulence

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Excessive salivation, also known as water brash, can occur in some cases of GERD, but it is not one of the most common symptoms. Water brash happens when the body produces extra saliva to neutralize the acid in the esophagus. While it can be associated with GERD, it is not as prevalent as other symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation.

Choice B Reason:

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a common symptom of GERD. It includes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, and nausea. Dyspepsia occurs because the stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus and stomach, leading to these uncomfortable sensations. Therefore, dyspepsia is a typical finding in patients with GERD.

Choice C Reason:

Regurgitation is a hallmark symptom of GERD. It involves the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth, causing a sour or bitter taste. This symptom is due to the weakening or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acid to escape into the esophagus.

Choice D Reason:

Blood-tinged sputum is not a common symptom of GERD. While severe cases of GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis or esophageal ulcers, which might cause bleeding, this is not typical in most GERD cases. Blood-tinged sputum would warrant further investigation to rule out other conditions such as infections or malignancies.

Choice E Reason:

Flatulence, or excessive gas, can be associated with GERD. The digestive process can be affected by the reflux of stomach acid, leading to increased gas production and bloating. While not as prominent as dyspepsia or regurgitation, flatulence can still be a symptom experienced by patients with GERD.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic hepatitis who is receiving the medication lactulose. Which of these laboratory results would indicate the medication is achieving the desired therapeutic effect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which finding would the nurse expect to observe? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood gas results: HCO3 18 mEq/L, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and pH 7.30. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

For the patient with diabetes mellitus, which microvascular complication of the blood vessel structure may occur? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has diabetes mellitus about carbohydrate intake needs when exercising. Which of the following foods should the nurse include as containing a 15 g serving of carbohydrates?

A male client was admitted with a left-sided stroke this morning. The assistive personnel asks about meeting the client’s nutritional needs. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is providing pneumonia vaccinations in a community setting. Due to limited finances, the event organizers must limit giving the vaccination to priority groups. What clients would be considered a priority when administering the pneumonia vaccination? (Select all that apply)

A postoperative client following a thyroidectomy suddenly develops difficulty breathing, stridor, and an increase in swelling of the anterior neck area. What should the nurse do first?

A male client was admitted with a left-sided stroke this morning. The assistive personnel asks about meeting the client’s nutritional needs. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a client who has Cushing’s syndrome. The nurse should recognize that which of the following are manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome? (Select all that apply)