A nurse is giving an enteral medication. The patient asks why this method is preferable for this drug. How will the nurse reply?
This route allows more rapid absorption of the drug
This route prevents inactivation of the drug by digestive enzymes
This route is the best way to control serum drug levels
This route is safer, less expensive, and more convenient
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Enteral (oral) administration typically has slower absorption than intravenous routes due to first-pass metabolism in the liver and variable gastric emptying. While effective for many drugs, it’s not faster than parenteral routes, making this choice incorrect for describing the primary advantage of enteral administration.
Choice B reason: Some enteral drugs are inactivated by digestive enzymes or liver metabolism (first-pass effect), not prevented. Special formulations (e.g., enteric-coated) may protect drugs, but this isn’t a general advantage of the enteral route, which often faces enzymatic degradation, making this choice inaccurate.
Choice C reason: Enteral administration does not offer superior control of serum drug levels compared to intravenous routes, which provide precise dosing and immediate bioavailability. Oral drugs face variable absorption and first-pass metabolism, leading to less predictable levels, making this choice incorrect for enteral benefits.
Choice D reason: Enteral administration is safer (avoids injection risks like infection), less expensive (no need for sterile equipment), and more convenient (self-administered at home). These advantages make it preferable for many drugs, aligning with patient compliance and cost-effectiveness, making this the correct choice for the nurse’s response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking blood sugar daily or more is appropriate for diabetes management with glipizide. This shows understanding, so it is not concerning and incorrect.
Choice B reason: Moderate alcohol (e.g., one glass of wine) is generally safe with glipizide if blood sugar is controlled. This is less concerning than grapefruit, so it’s incorrect.
Choice C reason: Taking glipizide once daily with breakfast is correct, as it enhances insulin release with meals. This is appropriate, so it is not concerning and incorrect.
Choice D reason: Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP enzymes, potentially increasing glipizide levels and hypoglycemia risk. This misunderstanding is dangerous, making it the correct concerning statement.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A transporter shell is not a pharmacological concept; drugs use transport proteins or diffusion. Membrane crossing is key, so this is incorrect for drug movement.
Choice B reason: Selectivity and effectiveness define therapeutic action, not physical movement. Drugs must cross membranes to reach targets, so this is incorrect.
Choice C reason: Drugs must cross cell membranes to move through the body, affecting absorption and distribution. This is a fundamental requirement, making it the correct choice.
Choice D reason: An electric charge may influence solubility but isn’t required for movement. Membrane permeability is essential, so this is incorrect for drug pharmacokinetics.
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