A patient with a respiratory infection asks the nurse why some antibiotics are prescribed to be given every 12 hours while others have to be taken 4 times per day. What is the nurse's best response?
"Regular doses are given based on the half life of the medication to maintain a therapeutic effect"
"We try to give the next dose of medication only after the last dose is gone"
"The time between medication varies to fit the nurse's schedule"
"We need to vary the times of administration to keep the blood levels fluctuating"
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dosing schedules are based on the medication's half-life to maintain a consistent therapeutic level in the bloodstream.
B. Medications are dosed at intervals to maintain therapeutic levels, not just after the last dose is gone.
C. Dosing schedules are determined by pharmacokinetics, not nurse convenience.
D. Consistent blood levels are usually desired for antibiotics, not fluctuating levels.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Half-life refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the medication in the bloodstream to decrease by half, not the lowest serum concentration.
B. Peak refers to the highest concentration of the medication in the bloodstream after administration.
C. Trough is the lowest concentration of medication in the bloodstream, typically measured just before the next dose is due to ensure adequate drug levels.
D. Toxic level refers to a concentration at which the medication may cause adverse effects, not the lowest serum concentration.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Bilateral breath sounds clear and present throughout at 1600 are normal findings and do not require immediate follow-up.
B. The temperature at both 1600 (37.6°C) and 1630 (37.5°C) is slightly elevated but not critically high. It does not require immediate follow-up unless it worsens significantly or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. Urticaria (hives) over the chest and trunk, along with itching and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), are signs of an allergic reaction, which requires immediate follow-up and assessment.
D. The blood pressure decreased to 78/52 mm Hg at 1630 from 110/58 mm Hg at 1600. This significant drop indicates hypotension and requires immediate follow-up.
E. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) reported by the client suggests a potential airway compromise and requires immediate follow-up to assess the severity and intervene accordingly.
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