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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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Instilling ophthalmic medication directly on the cornea can cause irritation and discomfort. Medications should be administered in the conjunctival sac.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client to tightly squeeze their eyes shut after instillation can expel the medication, reducing its effectiveness. Gentle closing of the eyes is recommended.
Choice C rationale
Cleaning the eye from the outer canthus to the inner canthus is not the proper method. The correct method is to clean from the inner canthus to the outer canthus to avoid contaminating the inner eye.
Choice D rationale
Applying pressure to the nasolacrimal duct after instillation helps prevent the medication from draining into the nasolacrimal system, ensuring better absorption in the eye.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aging usually leads to a decrease in muscle tone of the bowel rather than an increase, which can result in slower bowel movements and constipation.
Choice B rationale
Gastric acid production tends to decrease with age, not increase. This can affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and also increase the risk of stomach infections.
Choice C rationale
The pH of the stomach tends to become less acidic (increase) as one ages, not decrease. This is often due to the reduced production of gastric acid.
Choice D rationale
Decreased intestinal peristalsis is a common physiological change in older adults. This slowing down of the intestinal movements can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.