A patient is brought to the emergency department for the treatment of an overdose of alprazolam. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer to this patient?

Choice A rationale: Allopurinol dosing is not typically adjusted based on target serum drug levels.
Choice B rationale: The absence of gastrointestinal (GI) effects is not a parameter used to adjust the dosing of allopurinol.
Choice C rationale: This is partially correct. Allopurinol dosing is adjusted based on renal function, but specifically, it is adjusted based on serum creatinine levels. The higher the creatinine levels, the lower the dose of allopurinol should be.
Choice D rationale: This is correct. Allopurinol dosing is adjusted based on plasma urate levels. The goal is to reduce uric acid levels in the blood to prevent the formation of urate crystals and subsequent gout attacks. Regular monitoring of plasma urate levels helps determine the effectiveness of the medication, and adjustments can be made to achieve the target urate level.

Choice A rationale: Dopamine is not the appropriate medication for an allergic reaction. It is a neurotransmitter and is not used in the treatment of anaphylaxis.
Choice B rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, including severe difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue. It acts quickly to reverse the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Choice C rationale: Norepinephrine is not the medication of choice for an allergic reaction. It primarily acts as a vasoconstrictor and is used in conditions like septic shock.
Choice D rationale: Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant and is not the appropriate medication for treating an allergic reaction with respiratory distress.