Author Question: A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed lactulose (Heptalac). The client states, I do not want ... (Read 83 times)

arivle123 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed lactulose (Heptalac). The client states, I do not want to take this medication because it causes diarrhea. How should the nurse respond?

a. Diarrhea is expected; that's how your body gets rid of ammonia.
b. You may take Kaopectate liquid daily for loose stools.
c. Do not take any more of the medication until your stools firm up.
d. We will need to send a stool specimen to the laboratory.

Question 2

A nurse assesses clients at a community health fair. Which client is at greatest risk for the development of hepatitis B?

a. A 20-year-old college student who has had several sexual partners
b. A 46-year-old woman who takes acetaminophen daily for headaches
c. A 63-year-old businessman who travels frequently across the country
d. An 82-year-old woman who recently ate raw shellfish for dinner

dudman123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The purpose of administering lactulose to this client is to help ammonia leave the circulatory system through the colon. Lactulose draws water into the bowel with its high osmotic gradient, thereby producing a laxative effect and subsequently evacuating ammonia from the bowel. The client must understand that this is an expected and therapeutic effect for him or her to remain compliant. The nurse should not suggest administering anything that would decrease the excretion of ammonia or holding the medication. There is no need to send a stool specimen to the laboratory because diarrhea is the therapeutic response to this medication.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact, needle sharing, needle sticks, blood transfusions, hemodialysis, acupuncture, and the maternal-fetal route. A person with multiple sexual partners has more opportunities to contract the infection. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through medications, casual contact with other travelers, or raw shellfish. Although an overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver cirrhosis, this is not associated with hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is found most frequently in international travelers. Hepatitis A is spread through ingestion of contaminated shellfish.