A nurse is teaching a class about pharmacodynamics.
The nurse should include that which of the following medication levels occurs when a medication is at the lowest serum concentration?
Toxic.
Peak.
Trough.
Half-life.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Toxic levels refer to concentrations of a medication that are high enough to cause harmful effects or poisoning. This is not related to the lowest serum concentration.
Choice B rationale
Peak levels are the highest concentration of a medication in the bloodstream after administration. This occurs after the drug is absorbed and distributed.
Choice C rationale
Trough levels occur when the medication is at its lowest concentration in the bloodstream, typically just before the next dose is due. Monitoring trough levels helps ensure therapeutic effectiveness while avoiding toxicity.
Choice D rationale
Half-life refers to the time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to decrease by half. It is not directly related to the lowest serum concentration at a specific point in time.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aluminum-containing antacids often cause constipation due to their effect on bowel motility, not diarrhea. They work by neutralizing stomach acid but can lead to decreased bowel movements.
Choice B rationale
Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea as a side effect. They work by neutralizing stomach acid, and the excess magnesium in the intestines can cause loose stools or diarrhea.
Choice C rationale
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by disrupting the balance of normal gut bacteria. This disruption can lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, which can cause diarrhea.
Choice D rationale
Anticholinergics/antispasmodics typically cause constipation rather than diarrhea. They inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down gut motility.
Choice E rationale
Opioid narcotics can cause constipation because they slow down the movement of the intestines. They do this by binding to opioid receptors in the gut, which decreases peristalsis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Documenting the medication administration is important but should be done after administering the medication. Documentation ensures proper tracking and accountability but does
not address immediate patient safety concerns like checking for allergies.
Choice B rationale
Mixing the medication at the client's bedside may ensure that the medication is prepared correctly and the client receives it promptly, but it doesn't address the critical step of
ensuring the client's safety by checking for allergies first.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client for allergies is crucial before administering any medication, including powdered forms. Allergic reactions can be severe or life-threatening, so it’s essential to
ensure that the client isn’t allergic to the medication. This step ensures the safety and well-being of the client and prevents potential adverse reactions.
Choice D rationale
Determining the client's response to the medication is important for assessing the medication's effectiveness and identifying any adverse reactions, but it occurs after administration.
Checking for allergies precedes all these steps to prevent any initial harm.