In administering lactulose to the patient with hepatic encephalopathy, the nurse correlates effectiveness of this medication to which mechanism of action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lactulose helps to decrease the production of ammonia in the colon through a process of acidification of colon contents, which in turn facilitates the conversion of ammonia (NH3) to ammonium (NH4+), making it less likely to be absorbed into the blood. This mechanism is beneficial in treating hepatic encephalopathy, a condition often exacerbated by high blood ammonia levels.

In Administering Lactulose to the Patient with Hepatic Encephalopathy, the Nurse