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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for using lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
What is the primary reason for using lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
- To directly reduce the levels of bilirubin in the blood
- To favor the conversion of ammonia to ammonium, which is ionic and cannot cross back into the systemic circulation (correct)
- To reduce the production of organic acids in the gut
- To increase the pH of the colon and promote the growth of urease-producing bacteria
What is the typical dosage regimen for lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
What is the typical dosage regimen for lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
- 550 mg orally twice a day, for chronic therapy
- 25 ml orally every 8 to 12 hours, titrated to produce one to two soft stools per day
- 25 ml orally every 1 to 2 hours, until catharsis begins, then decreased to 15 to 45 mL orally every 8 to 12 hours (correct)
- 15 to 45 mL orally every 1 to 2 hours, until catharsis begins
What is the mechanism of action of rifaximin in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
What is the mechanism of action of rifaximin in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
- It directly reduces the levels of ammonia in the blood
- It increases the production of urease-producing bacteria in the gut
- It stimulates the metabolism of ammonia in the liver
- It inhibits the activity of urease-producing bacteria in the gut (correct)
What is the potential benefit of zinc supplementation in patients with hepatic encephalopathy?
What is the potential benefit of zinc supplementation in patients with hepatic encephalopathy?
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What is the indication for using flumazenil in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
What is the indication for using flumazenil in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?
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What is the underlying diagnosis of the patient described in the case?
What is the underlying diagnosis of the patient described in the case?
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