A 50-year-old woman has a long history of hospital admissions related to alcohol abuse and consequent liver failure. During this present admission, the patient has been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy and prescribed lactulose (Cephulac)

During morning report, the nurse learns that the previous nurse withheld the patient's latest dose of lactulose because the patient had two loose bowel movements during the shift. How should the nurse interpret the previous nurse's action?
A) The previous nurse acted correctly because loose bowel movements present a threat to the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance.
B) The previous nurse should have obtained an order for a stool softener to replace the scheduled lactulose.
C) The previous nurse should have administered the lactulose because it is necessary to remove excess ammonia.
D) The previous nurse should have administered a partial dose of the lactulose in spite of the patient's bowel movements.


C

Nursing

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