When assessing a client taking oral lactulose (Chronulac), which value indicates medication effectiveness?

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used primarily to treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy by reducing blood ammonia levels. The effectiveness of lactulose therapy can be indicated by monitoring blood ammonia levels. When lactulose is effective, it facilitates the excretion of ammonia by converting it into a less toxic form, which then can be removed from the body through the bowel.

In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, the goal of lactulose treatment is to lower ammonia levels, thereby helping to improve neurological function and overall mental status. A reduction in these levels can signify that the treatment is effectively managing the condition, preventing the accumulation of toxins associated with liver failure.

Other values such as lung sounds, blood pressure, and serum potassium levels are not direct indicators of lactulose effectiveness. While they may be important in the overall assessment of a patient’s health, they do not specifically reflect the purpose of lactulose treatment regarding ammonia metabolism and the management of hepatic conditions.