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 A
Explanation
A. Flush the IV line with normal saline before and after administering phenytoin: Phenytoin is incompatible with dextrose and many other IV solutions. Normal saline is the only recommended diluent, and flushing before and after administration prevents precipitation and line blockage, ensuring safe delivery of the drug.
B. Flush the IV line with dextrose solution before and after giving phenytoin: Phenytoin precipitates in dextrose-containing solutions, which can result in crystal formation, risking embolism or phlebitis. Using dextrose can lead to serious IV complications and must be avoided.
C. Mix phenytoin with lactated Ringer's solution for infusion: Phenytoin is not compatible with lactated Ringer’s due to the calcium content, which increases the risk of precipitation. It should only be diluted in normal saline to maintain solution stability and patient safety.
D. Administer phenytoin without flushing the IV line: Skipping the flush increases the risk of drug incompatibility, precipitation, and reduced drug delivery. Flushing with normal saline is essential to maintain IV line patency and prevent complications.
Correct Answer is ["66.4"]
Explanation
Given quantity = 146 lbs
Desired unit = kg (kilograms)
To convert from lbs to kg,
1 kg = 2.2 lbs
146 lbs / 2.2 lbs/kg
= 66.3636... kg
Round to the nearest tenth:
= 66.4 kg.
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