The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue. Which of the client's serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review?

Choice A reason: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones due to lack of insulin. Glucagon is not indicated for this condition, as it would increase the blood glucose level even more. The nurse should instruct the client and family to monitor the blood glucose and ketone levels, administer insulin as prescribed, and seek medical attention if the condition worsens.

Choice B reason: Glucagon is not used to prevent hyperglycemia, which is a high blood glucose level. Glucagon is a hormone that raises the blood glucose level by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. The nurse should instruct the client and family to prevent hyperglycemia by following a balanced diet, taking insulin as prescribed, and exercising regularly.

Choice C reason: Glucagon is not used when the client is unable to eat during sick days, unless the client has signs of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood glucose level. Glucagon is used as a last resort when the client is unconscious or unable to swallow. The nurse should instruct the client and family to follow the sick day rules, which include monitoring the blood glucose and urine ketone levels, taking insulin as prescribed, drinking fluids, and eating small amounts of carbohydrates.

Choice D reason: Glucagon is used when the client has signs of severe hypoglycemia, such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Glucagon is injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly by a family member or a caregiver to raise the blood glucose level quickly. The nurse should instruct the client and family to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia, treat mild to moderate hypoglycemia with oral glucose, and call 911 after administering glucagon.

Choice A reason: This is not the best assessment for the nurse to use to evaluate the client's therapeutic response to lactulose. Stool color and character may change as a result of lactulose administration, as it is a laxative that lowers the pH of the colon and promotes the excretion of ammonia. However, these changes are not indicative of the effectiveness of lactulose in reducing the ammonia levels in the blood, which is the main goal of the therapy.

Choice B reason: This is the best assessment for the nurse to use to evaluate the client's therapeutic response to lactulose. Serum electrolytes and ammonia are directly affected by lactulose administration, as it lowers the blood ammonia levels by converting it to ammonium and facilitating its elimination in the stool. The nurse should monitor the serum electrolytes and ammonia levels regularly to assess the efficacy and safety of lactulose therapy, as well as to adjust the dosage as needed.

Choice C reason: This is not the best assessment for the nurse to use to evaluate the client's therapeutic response to lactulose. Serum hepatic enzymes are markers of liver function and damage, and they may be elevated in clients with hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis or other liver disorders. However, lactulose does not affect the hepatic enzymes directly, and it does not reverse the underlying liver disease. The nurse should monitor the serum hepatic enzymes to assess the progression and severity of the liver condition, but not to evaluate the response to lactulose.

Choice D reason: This is not the best assessment for the nurse to use to evaluate the client's therapeutic response to lactulose. Fingerstick glucose is a measure of blood glucose levels, and it may be altered in clients with hepatic encephalopathy due to impaired glucose metabolism by the liver. However, lactulose does not affect the blood glucose levels directly, and it does not improve the liver's ability to regulate glucose. The nurse should monitor the fingerstick glucose to assess the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, but not to evaluate the response to lactulose.