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 C
Explanation
A. "Opioid-induced constipation typically resolves on its own after a few weeks of treatment.": This is incorrect. Unlike other opioid side effects such as nausea or sedation, constipation does not typically resolve over time. It often persists and requires proactive management throughout opioid therapy.
B. "Avoid physical activity to prevent exacerbating your back pain.": While activity should be adjusted to the patient’s condition, light physical activity like walking actually helps stimulate bowel function. Complete avoidance of movement can worsen constipation.
C. "Start taking stool softeners along with your opioid medication.": This is the most appropriate advice. Prophylactic use of stool softeners or stimulant laxatives is recommended when initiating opioid therapy, as constipation is a nearly universal side effect due to slowed gastrointestinal motility.
D. "You should wait to see if constipation develops before taking any specific measures.": Waiting for constipation to develop can lead to discomfort and complications like fecal impaction. Preventive strategies should be started as soon as opioid treatment begins.
Correct Answer is ["42"]
Explanation
Total volume to be infused = 250 mL
Total infusion time = 90 minutes
Drop factor = 15 gtt/mL
- Calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min):
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Total volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)) / Total infusion time (minutes)
= (250 mL × 15 gtt/mL) / 90 minutes
= 3750 gtt / 90 minutes
= 41.666... gtt/min
- Round to the nearest whole number:
Rounded flow rate = 42 gtt/min
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