NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam · Question
A client with hepatic encephalopathy is prescribed lactulose. The nurse explains to the client that the primary purpose of this medication is to:
Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, through the stool. High ammonia levels are a key factor in the develop
Start free practice for NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam
300 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day
Question: A client with hepatic encephalopathy is prescribed lactulose. The nurse explains to the client that the primary purpose of this medication is to:
Answer options:
- Reduce portal hypertension.
- Prevent variceal bleeding. ✅ Decrease ammonia levels in the blood.
- Improve liver regeneration.
Correct answer: Decrease ammonia levels in the blood.
Explanation: Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, through the stool. High ammonia levels are a key factor in the development and worsening of hepatic encephalopathy.
Start free practice for NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam
300 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day
More about NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam
Related Questions
- Informed consent requires the patient to understand:
- Before administering digoxin, the nurse MUST assess:
- A patient on heparin develops active bleeding. Which antidote should the nurse anticipate?
- Which task can the RN safely delegate to an unregulated care provider (UCP/PSW)?
- Four patients call the nurse at once. Who should be seen FIRST?
- A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a loop diuretic. Which electrolyte imbalance is the nu
More for NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam candidates
Ready to practice?
Free, no signup required. Build a wrong-question list as you go.
Start Free NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam Practice →Related courses
Other Canadian certifications candidates often prepare for alongside this one.