Which of the following indicates a need for further teaching regarding lactulose?

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that is commonly used to treat constipation and to reduce the amount of ammonia in the blood for patients with liver disease, as it helps to draw water into the bowel and facilitate bowel movements.

Stating that lactulose is effective in decreasing nausea is incorrect, as its primary indication is not for nausea relief. In fact, nausea is not a typical therapeutic effect of lactulose and is not associated with its mechanism of action. While the use of lactulose can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, including discomfort and potential cramping, these should be monitored rather than expected as beneficial effects.

The other options refer to important information about the use of lactulose. For instance, the timing of taking this medication, monitoring for abdominal cramping as an adverse effect, and the possibility of diarrhea are all pertinent advisories for patients taking lactulose. This indicates that further understanding of lactulose’s uses and effects is necessary for proper medication management.