The physician of a client diagnosed with alcoholism orders neomycin 0.5 g q6h to prevent hepatic coma. Neomycin decreases serum ammonia levels by:

Question

Options

• ADecreasing nitrogen-forming bacteria in the intestines
• BAcidifying colon contents by causing ammonia retention in the colon
• CDecreasing the uptake of vitamin D, thereby drawing more water into the colon
• DIrritating the bowel and promoting evacuation of stool

• A
  85% (23)
• B
  4% (1)
• C
  7% (2)
• D
  4% (1)

Explanation

(A) Neomycin interferes with protein synthesis in the bacterial cell, causing bacterial death. Neomycin reduces the growth of the ammonia-producing bacteria in the intestines and is used for the treatment of hepatic coma. (B) This choice describes the action of lactulose, another drug commonly used to decrease systemic ammonia levels. (C) Neomycin's action doesnotdecrease uptake of vitamin D to reduce serum ammonia levels. (D) Bowel irritation with diarrhea is more likely to occur with administration of lactulose rather than of neomycin. Besides, diarrhea is a side effect of a drug, not the action of the drug.

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