Question

when prescribed for a client with hepatic encephalopathy, which is the therapeutic action of lactulose? lowers the ph of the colon. softens the stool. increases glucose absorption. stimulates peristalsis.

Explanation:

For a client with hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose is used to lower the pH of the colon. This is because lactulose is a non - absorbable disaccharide. In the colon, it is metabolized by bacteria into lactic acid and acetic acid. These acids lower the pH of the colon. A lower pH in the colon helps to convert ammonia (which is toxic and can contribute to hepatic encephalopathy) into ammonium ions, which are more easily excreted.

• Option "Softens the stool": While lactulose has a laxative effect, softening the stool is not its primary therapeutic action in hepatic encephalopathy.
• Option "Increases glucose absorption": Lactulose does not have the effect of increasing glucose absorption.
• Option "Stimulates peristalsis": Stimulating peristalsis is not the main therapeutic mechanism of lactulose in treating hepatic encephalopathy.

Answer:

A. Lowers the pH of the colon.