An adolescent patient presents with altered mental status following ingestion of unknown substances at a...

Elevated serum ammoniais often associated withhepatic encephalopathyor metabolic disturbances.Lactuloseis the standard treatment to reduce ammonia levels by promoting ammonia excretion via the GI tract.

“Lactulose lowers serum ammonia levels by converting ammonia into ammonium, which is then excreted in stool. It is a cornerstone in the treatment of encephalopathy caused by hyperammonemia.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Gastrointestinal, Hepatic Failure and Encephalopathy)