A patient with frequent tension headaches asks the nurse about over-the-counter remedies. The nurse knows that Excedrin combines which of the following active ingredients to address pain, inflammation, and increased vascular tone associated with headaches?

Choice A reason: 3% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that can cause fluid shifts and dehydration. It is not a suitable replacement for TPN, which is also hypertonic but provides calories, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. Infusing 3% sodium chloride can lead to hypernatremia, increased intracranial pressure, and cellular damage.

Choice B reason: Dextrose 10% in water is a hypertonic solution that can provide some calories and prevent hypoglycemia. It is the best option among the choices to replace TPN temporarily, until the new container arrives. However, it does not provide adequate nutrition or electrolytes, so it should not be used for a long time.

Choice C reason: Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution that can maintain fluid balance and electrolytes. It is not a suitable replacement for TPN, which is hypertonic and provides more calories and nutrients. Infusing Lactated Ringer's can lead to fluid overload, hyponatremia, and metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D reason: 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic solution that can maintain fluid balance and sodium levels. It is not a suitable replacement for TPN, which is hypertonic and provides more calories and nutrients. Infusing 0.9% sodium chloride can lead to fluid overload, hyponatremia, and metabolic acidosis.

Choice A reason: Distribution is not the correct term to describe the movement of a drug from its site of administration to the bloodstream. Distribution is the process by which a drug moves from the bloodstream to the tissues and organs of the body. Distribution depends on factors such as blood flow, tissue permeability, plasma protein binding, and tissue binding. Distribution occurs after the drug has been absorbed into the bloodstream, and it determines how much drug reaches the site of action.

Choice B reason: Metabolism is not the correct term to describe the movement of a drug from its site of administration to the bloodstream. Metabolism is the process by which a drug is chemically transformed in the body, usually by enzymes in the liver or other tissues. Metabolism can affect the activity, duration, and elimination of a drug. Metabolism occurs after the drug has been absorbed into the bloodstream, and it can occur before or after the drug reaches the site of action.

Choice C reason: Excretion is not the correct term to describe the movement of a drug from its site of administration to the bloodstream. Excretion is the process by which a drug or its metabolites are eliminated from the body. Excretion can occur through various routes, such as urine, feces, sweat, or breath. Excretion occurs after the drug has been absorbed into the bloodstream, and it can occur before or after the drug reaches the site of action.

Choice D reason: Absorption is the correct term to describe the movement of a drug from its site of administration to the bloodstream. Absorption is the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from the site of administration. Absorption depends on factors such as the route of administration, the dose, the formulation, and the bioavailability of the drug. Absorption is the first step of pharmacokinetics, and it determines how much and how fast a drug reaches the bloodstream and the site of action.