The nurse is providing care for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy who is receiving lactulose via a nasogastric tube QID. Which of the following indicates the patient is responding appropriately to the medication?
A) The patient's serum ammonia level returns to normal limits.
B) The patient's potassium level returns to normal limits.
C) The patient's blood alcohol level returns to normal limits.
D) The patient's serum calcium level returns to normal limits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing the amount of ammonia produced in the gut and thereby reducing serum ammonia levels. Therefore, the best indicator of an appropriate response to lactulose would be a return of serum ammonia level to normal limits. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with lactulose.

The Nurse Is Providing Care for a Patient with Hepatic