Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lactulose to a client who has cirrhosis. The client states, I don't need this medication. I am not constipated. The nurse should explain that in clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of which of the following components in the bloodstream?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Lactulose traps ammonia in the gut, reducing toxic levels causing hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis. It doesn't lower glucose , potassium , or bicarbonate .