Question

Which finding indicates to the nurse that lactulose (Cephulac) is effective for a 72-year-old man who has advanced cirrhosis?

a. The patient is alert and oriented.
b. The patient denies nausea or anorexia.
c. The patient's bilirubin level decreases.
d. The patient has at least one stool daily.

Answer 1

The indication that lactulose is effective for a man with advanced cirrhosis is if the patient is alert and oriented, as this reflects a reduction in symptoms related to hepatic encephalopathy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating the effectiveness of lactulose (Cephulac) for a 72-year-old man with advanced cirrhosis, the finding that indicates the medication is working would be the patient is alert and oriented. Lactulose helps to reduce blood ammonia levels by increasing intestinal excretion, which can prevent or decrease the effects of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by confusion and altered level of consciousness due to liver dysfunction. Since the primary goal of lactulose treatment in cirrhosis patients is to diminish the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, an alert and oriented patient is a sign of improvement in the patient's condition.