Which finding indicates to the nurse that lactulose (Cephulac) is effective for a 72-year-old man who has advanced cirrhosis?
a. The patient is alert and oriented.
b. The patient denies nausea or anorexia.
c. The patient's bilirubin level decreases.
d. The patient has at least one stool daily.
a. The patient is alert and oriented.
The purpose of lactulose in the patient with cirrhosis is to lower ammonia levels and prevent encephalopathy. Although lactulose may be used to treat constipation, that is not the purpose for this patient. Lactulose will not decrease nausea and vomiting or lower bilirubin levels.
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During a pediatric nursing orientation session to a new unit, the child-life specialist is introduced as an important member of the heath-care team. What is an important role of the child-life specialist?
A. Accompany children on their way to procedures B. Assist with family counseling regarding hospitalization C. Describe normal growth and development to families D. Provide opportunities for therapeutic play
How does an interdisciplinary approach to patient treatment enhance care?
a. By improving efficiency of care b. By reducing the number of caregivers c. By preventing the fragmentation of patient care d. By shortening hospital stay
In the client with hypocalcemia, what is the response of the parathyroid hormone, PTH?
A. It reduces the excretion of calcium. B. It blocks the renal excretion of calcium. C. It stops bone from stimulating osteoclastic activity. D. Its secretion diminishes to preserve the bone calcium supply.
What is the primary purpose of the American Nurses Association-Political Action Committees (ANA-PACs)?
a. Persuade public officials to work for leg-islation nurses consider important. b. Influence the outcome of elections. c. Prevent bills that are negative for nursing from being introduced in Congress. d. Attempt to change the minds of legislators already serving in Congress.