Question

The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed dose of lactulose to a client who has cirrhosis. Which lab value will the nurse monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication?

A
Glucose
B
Ammonia Correct Answer (Blank)
C
Potassium
D
Bicarbonate

Answer 1

The nurse will monitor serum bicarbonate levels to assess the effectiveness of lactulose in a client with cirrhosis, as the medication helps lower blood ammonia levels and maintain acid-base balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse preparing to administer lactulose to a client with cirrhosis will monitor the serum bicarbonate levels to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication. Lactulose works by increasing the removal of ammonia from the blood into the stool, which is beneficial in patients with liver disease, particularly those with hepatic encephalopathy associated with cirrhosis.

As lactulose is metabolized in the colon, it creates an acidic environment that helps convert ammonia (NH3) into ammonium (NH4+), which is less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The subsequent decrease in blood ammonia levels can lead to an alteration in the acid-base balance. Thus, measuring serum bicarbonate levels can help assess whether the lactulose is effectively reducing blood ammonia and aiding in the maintenance of acid-base balance.