The nurse is caring for a patient with active hepatitis C and recalls that the disease is spread by which route?

Choice A rationale
While emotional concerns are important to address in a holistic care approach, they are not the initial course of action when a client is admitted due to an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Emotional concerns are usually addressed once the client’s physical condition is stabilized.
Choice B rationale
Checking the client’s perianal skin integrity is a crucial initial step when a client is admitted due to an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis can cause rectal bleeding and diarrhea, which can lead to skin breakdown in the perianal area. Therefore, assessing for skin integrity helps in early detection and management of potential skin complications.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a dietary history from the client is important but not the initial course of action in this scenario. Dietary history is usually obtained once the client’s condition is stabilized and when planning for discharge or dietary modifications.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the client’s electrolyte values is important in managing ulcerative colitis, but it’s not the initial course of action. Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to diarrhea and

malabsorption, which are common in ulcerative colitis. However, this is usually done after initial physical assessments and stabilization of the client.

Choice A rationale
Potassium levels are not directly affected by lactulose. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis, by reducing levels of ammonia in the blood.
Choice B rationale
Glucose levels are not directly affected by lactulose. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis, by reducing levels of ammonia in the blood.
Choice C rationale
Bicarbonate levels are not directly affected by lactulose. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis, by reducing levels of ammonia in the blood.
Choice D rationale
In clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of ammonia in the bloodstream. Lactulose works by changing the acidity of the gut, which helps trap ammonia in the colon and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.