A nurse from the adult medical unit is pulled to the geriatric unit. The nurse notes that many of the common medications provided are in lower doses than typically prescribed. What action by the nurse is the highest priority?
Notify the charge nurse that patients may have received inappropriate medication dosages.
Evaluate the laboratory values of each patient to determine liver and kidney function as a possible reason for decreased dosages
Do not worry about the discrepancy because this is not the nurse's unit.
Call the nursing supervisor to investigate the nurse's concerns.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Notify the charge nurse that patients may have received inappropriate medication dosages.
Jumping to conclusions about inappropriate dosages without first investigating the rationale for the dosing is premature and could cause unnecessary alarm.
B. Evaluate the laboratory values of each patient to determine liver and kidney function as a possible reason for decreased dosages. Lower dosages are often prescribed for older adults due to decreased liver and kidney function, which can affect drug metabolism and excretion. Evaluating lab values ensures that these dosages are appropriate and safe.
C. Do not worry about the discrepancy because this is not the nurse's unit.
Ignoring the discrepancy is not appropriate, as it’s important for all nurses to advocate for patient safety, regardless of the unit.
D. Call the nursing supervisor to investigate the nurse's concerns.
The nursing supervisor may need to be involved, but the first step is to review the relevant clinical data (lab values) to assess the situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Biotransformation: This refers to the chemical alteration of a drug in the body, usually by the liver, into metabolites. It does not describe the movement of the drug to the target organ.
B. Distribution: This is the correct answer. Distribution refers to the process by which a drug is transported by the blood to the target organ or tissues after it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
C. Excretion: This is the process of eliminating waste products, including drugs, from the body, typically through the kidneys. It does not involve the movement to the target organ.
D. Absorption: This refers to the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. It precedes distribution but does not describe the movement to the target organ.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. Molecular weight: Drugs with lower molecular weight tend to have higher bioavailability because they can more easily pass through biological membranes.
B. Fat or liquid solubility: Drugs that are fat-soluble can cross cell membranes more easily, affecting their bioavailability. Water-soluble drugs may require transport mechanisms, which can limit absorption.
C. Depth of breathing: The depth of breathing primarily affects the absorption of inhaled drugs, not the general bioavailability of orally or intravenously administered medications.
D. Development of a fever: While fever can affect drug metabolism, it doesn’t directly influence the bioavailability of a drug.
E. Presence of food: Food in the stomach can either enhance or inhibit drug absorption, depending on the drug’s characteristics. This directly impacts bioavailability.
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