A nurse is reviewing the concept of therapeutic index for medications. Which of the following statements best describes a drug with a narrow therapeutic index?
The safe and toxic plasma levels of the drug are very close to each other
The drug has a wide range between its effective dose and toxic dose
The drug requires infrequent monitoring of serum levels
The drug has a high margin of safety in clinical use
The Correct Answer is A
A. The safe and toxic plasma levels of the drug are very close to each other: A narrow therapeutic index means there is a small margin between the minimum effective concentration and the toxic concentration. Small dosing errors or individual variations in metabolism can lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects, requiring close monitoring.
B. The drug has a wide range between its effective dose and toxic dose: This describes a drug with a wide therapeutic index, which allows more flexibility in dosing without significant risk of toxicity. Narrow therapeutic index drugs are the opposite and require precise dosing.
C. The drug requires infrequent monitoring of serum levels: Medications with a narrow therapeutic index often require frequent serum level monitoring to ensure that the drug stays within the safe and effective range. This helps reduce the risk of adverse effects or treatment failure.
D. The drug has a high margin of safety in clinical use: A high margin of safety is characteristic of drugs with a wide therapeutic index. Narrow therapeutic index drugs have a low safety margin and pose higher risks if not carefully dosed and monitored.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["7.9"]
Explanation
Convert the ounces to a fraction of a pound:
16 ounces = 1 pound.
6 ounces = 6/16 pound
= 0.375 pound
Total weight in pounds = 17 pounds + 0.375 pound = 17.375 pounds
1 kg= 2.2 pounds
Weight in kg = 17.375 pounds / 2.2 pounds/kg
=7.8977 kg
Round to the nearest tenth:
Rounded weight = 7.9 kg
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. They inhibit the metabolism of alcohol in the liver: Benzodiazepines do not affect alcohol metabolism. Enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase are responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and benzodiazepines have no role in this process.
B. They block the reuptake of dopamine in the central nervous system: This mechanism is more characteristic of stimulant drugs like cocaine or certain antidepressants. Benzodiazepines act primarily on GABAergic pathways and do not target dopamine reuptake.
C. They have no potential for abuse or dependence: Benzodiazepines carry a well-documented risk of dependence and abuse, especially with long-term use or in individuals with a history of substance use disorders. Their use in alcohol withdrawal is carefully managed due to this risk.
D. They enhance the effects of GABA in the central nervous system: Benzodiazepines potentiate GABA, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps to stabilize the CNS, reduce seizures, and manage agitation during alcohol withdrawal. This GABAergic action compensates for the decreased inhibitory tone seen in alcohol-dependent individuals during withdrawal.
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