Lactulose - clinical work PDF

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Summary

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Description

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:

Medication

STUDENT NAME _____________________________________ MEDICATION Lactulose __________________________________________________________________________

REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________

CATEGORY CLASS osmotics ______________________________________________________________________

PURPOSE OF MEDICATION

Expected Pharmacological Action Increases water content and softens stool Lowers the ph of the colon which inhibits the diffusion of amonia from the colon into the blood, thereby reducing blood amonia levels.

Therapeutic Use Treatment of chronic constipation. Adjunct in the management of portal-sytem (hepatic) encephalopathy (PSE).

Complications May cause diarrhea with resulting hypokalemia and hypernatremia. May cause increase blood glucose in diabetic patients.

Medication Administration PO (adults): 15-30 ml/day to 60ml/day as liquid or 10-20g as powder for oral solution (up to 40g/day has been used)

Contraindications/Precautions Contraindicated in: Patients on low-galactose diets Use cautiously in: Diabetes Mellitus Excessive and prolonged use may lead to dependency

Interactions

Nursing Interventions assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and normal pattern of bowel function PSE: assess mental status (orientation, level of consciouness) before and periodically throughout course of therapy

-Should not be used with other laxatives in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy -Anti infectives may decrease effectiveness in treatment of hepatic encephalopathy Client Education Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness Passage of a soft, formed bowel movement, usually within 24-48hrs. Clearing of confusion, apathy, and irritation, and improved mental status in PSE. Improvement may occur within 2hr after enama and 24-48hr after oral administration.

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES

Caution patients that this medication may cause belching, flatulence, or abdominal cramping. Health care professionals should be informed if this becomes bothersome or if diarrhea occurs.

THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE

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