A client has developed hepatic encephalopathy secondary to cirrhosis and is receiving care on the medical unit. The client's current medication regimen includes lactulose four times daily. What desired outcome should the nurse relate to this pharmacologic intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Two to three soft bowel movements daily. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used to manage hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia levels through promoting bowel movements. The desired outcome of this medication is to prevent the buildup of ammonia in the bloodstream, which can exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy. Soft bowel movements indicate that the medication is effectively promoting bowel motility and reducing ammonia levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as lactulose is not directly associated with increasing appetite, resolving nausea and vomiting, or eliminating blood or mucus in the stool in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 42 units. To calculate the total number of units of insulin to be prepared in the syringe, you need to add the units of regular insulin (14 units) and NPH insulin (28 units). Therefore, 14 units + 28 units = 42 units. This is the total amount of insulin that should be drawn up and administered subcutaneously. Summary of other choices: B: 14 units - This is only the amount of regular insulin and doesn't include the NPH insulin. C: 28 units - This is only the amount of NPH insulin and doesn't include the regular insulin. D: 32 units - This is the sum of 14 units of regular insulin and 18 units of NPH insulin, which is incorrect as the NPH insulin prescribed is 28 units, not 18 units.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 2 tablets. To administer 0.25 mg of digoxin daily using 0.125 mg tablets, the healthcare professional should give 2 tablets. Each tablet is 0.125 mg, so 2 tablets will equal 0.25 mg, which is the required dose. The other choices are incorrect because administering 1 tablet would only provide 0.125 mg (half the required dose), administering 3 tablets would provide 0.375 mg (exceeding the required dose), and administering 4 tablets would provide 0.5 mg (double the required dose). Thus, the correct answer is to administer 2 tablets to achieve the prescribed 0.25 mg dose.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 20 mcg. To determine the amount of medication in 1 mL of the vial, you first need to reconstitute the vial with 5 mL of sodium chloride. This will result in a total of 100 mcg of Levothyroxine Sodium in the vial. To find out how much medication is in 1 mL, you divide the total amount by the volume of the vial (100 mcg / 5 mL = 20 mcg/mL). Therefore, there are 20 mcg of medication in 1 mL of the vial. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately calculate the amount of medication in 1 mL of the vial based on the given information and the reconstitution process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the client to empty the bladder. Before a paracentesis, it's crucial to ensure the bladder is empty to prevent accidental puncture during the procedure. This reduces the risk of injury and complications. Options B and C are incorrect because they are not directly related to the safety of the paracentesis procedure. Option D is incorrect as placing the client in a supine position does not address the need to empty the bladder.