229k views
0 votes
The nurse identifies which of the following laxatives as having the added response of ridding the body of ammonia?

A. Polyethylene glycol
B. Lactulose
C. Lubiprostone
D. Mineral oil

User Ktretyak
by
8.8k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Lactulose is the laxative known for additionally aiding in the elimination of ammonia from the body, which is beneficial in conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse identifies Lactulose as the laxative that has the added response of ridding the body of ammonia. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide that works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, softening stools and promoting bowel movement. More importantly, when it comes to the removal of ammonia, Lactulose is broken down in the colon into components that bind to ammonia, facilitating its conversion into ammonium. This conversion helps trap the ammonia in the colon, from where it is then excreted. As such, lactulose is often prescribed in conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, where reducing serum ammonia levels is crucial.

User Roger Russel
by
7.7k points