A nurse is administering drugs to a 70-year-old patient who has a reduced plasma albumin level. When assessing the patient for therapeutic outcomes of drug therapy, the nurse will also be careful to observe for
possible drug toxicity.
decreased therapeutic effects.
altered drug absorption.
increased drug metabolism.
The Correct Answer is A
A. A reduced plasma albumin level can lead to increased free drug levels in the bloodstream, raising the risk of drug toxicity, particularly for highly protein-bound medications.
B. Decreased therapeutic effects are less likely because the decrease in albumin can lead to higher free drug concentrations, which may actually increase effects rather than decrease them.
C. Altered drug absorption is generally not directly influenced by plasma albumin levels; it relates more to gastrointestinal factors.
D. Increased drug metabolism is not a direct consequence of lower albumin levels; instead, the concern is primarily about increased free drug concentrations and potential toxicity.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Reye syndrome is correct because administering aspirin to children, especially during viral illnesses like the flu, can lead to this serious and potentially fatal condition characterized by acute encephalopathy and liver failure.
B. Excess antiplatelet action is incorrect; while aspirin does have antiplatelet effects, this is not the primary concern in a child with a viral illness.
C. Asthma is incorrect; while some individuals with asthma may have sensitivity to aspirin, it is not specifically related to the child's flulike illness.
D. Salicylate poisoning is incorrect; while high doses of aspirin can lead to toxicity, the immediate risk in the context of flu-like illness is Reye syndrome, which is a more specific concern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Nitrates do not share a cross-sensitivity with penicillin and are safe to use in this client.
B. Tetracycline is a different class of antibiotics and does not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin.
C. Aminoglycosides also do not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin and can be safely administered.
D. Cephalosporins are structurally related to penicillin and have a risk of cross-sensitivity; thus, they should not be given to a client with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin.