A patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse has been admitted to the unit with cirrhosis. Upon review of the patient's laboratory test results, the nurse notes that the ammonia level is 218
What medication should the nurse prepare to administer? a. 0.9% NS
b. Lactulose
c. Docusate sodium (Colace)
d. Polyethylene glycol (MiraLax)
B
Lactulose is the only laxative known to lower ammonia levels in patient with portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy secondary to liver disease.
No information suggests that the patient needs fluid or electrolyte replacement.
Docusate sodium and polyethylene glycol are not effective at lowering ammonia levels.
You might also like to view...
A nurse assesses a new patient experiencing a manic episode. Which behavior is most likely to have occurred before hospitalization?
a. Watching others closely but avoiding interaction b. Taking frequent rest periods during the day c. Going rapidly from one activity to another d. Remaining in the home for long periods
The nurse observes that the patient's left cephalic intravenous (IV) site is cool, swollen, and mildly tender, although the IV line is infusing at the prescribed rate. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Instruct the patient to elevate his or her arm on two pillows. b. Discontinue the IV infusion and start one in the right arm. c. Apply a warm, moist compress to the IV site. d. Reassess the IV site in 2 hours for any change.
The patient tells the nurse, "My doctor says I have high levels of fat in my blood. Is that like big pieces of fat floating around?" What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "No, fats in your blood are carried inside small molecules called phospholipids." 2. "No, actually fats travel in the blood on little proteins called lipoproteins." 3. "No, that is not a good description of fat transport; ask your doctor again." 4. "No, the fats are encapsulated inside little bags known as lecithins."
The nurse is comparing pitch and duration of the various types of a patient's breath sounds and recognizes which one of these as an expected finding?
a. Bronchial sounds are low-pitched and have a 2:1 inspiratory-versus-expiratory ratio. b. Bronchovesicular sounds have a moderate pitch and 1:1 expiratory-versus-inspiratory ratio. c. Vesicular breath sounds are high-pitched and have a 1:2 inspiratory-versus-expiratory ratio. d. Wheezes are low-pitched and have a 2.5:1 inspiratory-versus-expiratory ratio.