A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lactulose to a client who has cirrhosis. The client states, "I don't need this medication. I am not constipated." The nurse should explain that in clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of which of the following components in the bloodstream?

A. Glucose levels are not affected by lactulose. B. Potassium is not the target of lactulose therapy; in fact, lactulose can sometimes cause hypokalemia as a side effect. C. Bicarbonate levels are not directly influenced by lactulose. D. Lactulose is used in clients with cirrhosis to help reduce ammonia levels in the bloodstream. It works by acidifying the colon and promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool, which helps prevent or treat hepatic encephalopathy.