Practice Question
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)]
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Continue the prescribed dose of lactulose.
Rationale:
🔸 Lactulose works by increasing ammonia excretion through the stool, which is essential in treating hepatic encephalopathy.
🔸 The goal is to reduce elevated ammonia levels, even if this results in frequent loose stools.
🔸 Holding the medication would worsen encephalopathy. Instead, fluid replacement may be considered, but lactulose must be continued.
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This question is from RN-Hesi Medical Surgical Exam IV which contains 48 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
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Answer Choices:
A. Auscultate lungs for unequal breath sounds.
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C. Lift and clear drainage from the chest tube.
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Answer Choices:
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Answer Choices:
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Answer Choices:
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: HESI Exam(s)
- Domain: Hesi MedSurg
- Answer Choices: 4
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