Nursing Elites

1. Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?

• A. Increased red blood cell count
• B. Decreased serum ammonia level
• C. Increased protein level
• D. Decreased white blood cell level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for the client with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce bacterial breakdown of protein in the bowel. The medication creates an acidic environment in the bowel and causes the ammonia to leave the bloodstream and enter the colon. Ammonia then becomes trapped in the bowel. Lactulose also has a laxative effect that allows for the elimination of the ammonia.

2. The student nurse is teaching the family of a patient with liver failure. You instruct them to limit which foods in the patient’s diet?

• A. Meats and beans.
• B. Butter and gravies.
• C. Potatoes and pastas.
• D. Cakes and pastries.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a patient with liver failure, it is important to limit the intake of meats and beans to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.

3. You’re caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She’s concerned about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn’t appropriate?

• A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
• B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
• C. Discuss the effects of hepatitis B on future health problems.
• D. Provide avenues for financial counseling if she expresses the need.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to not worry about the future is not appropriate. Instead, address her concerns and provide information.

4. Which stoma would you expect a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown?

• A. Ileostomy.
• B. Ascending colostomy.
• C. Transverse colostomy.
• D. Descending colostomy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An ileostomy would have a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown.

5. A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of

• A. 45 units/L
• B. 100 units/L
• C. 300 units/L
• D. 500 units/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The normal serum amylase level is 25 to 151 IU/L. With chronic cases of pancreatitis, the rise in serum amylase levels usually does not exceed three times the normal value. In acute pancreatitis, the value may exceed five times the normal value. Options 1 and 2 are within normal limits. Option 3 is an extremely elevated level seen in acute pancreatitis.

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