The client asks what the effect of taking a medication on an empty stomach would be. The nurse answers:

The drug is absorbed more rapidly.

The drug is affected by enzymes in the colon.

This causes the drug to be absorbed more slowly.

The drug will be neutralized by the pancreatic enzymes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

Administering medication on an empty stomach generally promotes faster absorption due to several physiological factors. Without food, gastric emptying time is significantly reduced, meaning the drug spends less time in the stomach and moves more quickly into the small intestine, which is the primary site for nutrient and drug absorption. Furthermore, the absence of food also minimizes potential drug-food interactions that could chelate or bind the drug, thereby decreasing its bioavailability and absorption rate.

Choice B rationale

Enzymes in the colon primarily function in the digestion of undigested food components, particularly complex carbohydrates, through microbial fermentation. While some drug metabolism can occur via colonic microbiota, the colon is not a primary site for drug absorption, and enzymatic activity in the colon is not the main factor influencing the absorption rate of orally administered medications, especially in the initial stages after ingestion.

Choice C rationale

Taking a drug on an empty stomach typically accelerates absorption, not slows it. Food in the stomach can delay gastric emptying, dilute the drug concentration, and create a physical barrier that impedes contact with the absorptive surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the presence of food is more likely to slow absorption.

Choice D rationale

Pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and proteases, are secreted into the duodenum to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. While these enzymes can interact with certain drugs, particularly protein-based medications, they are primarily involved in digestion rather than direct neutralization of most orally administered drugs in a manner that would significantly alter absorption on an empty stomach.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

"Right medication" refers to ensuring that the drug administered is precisely the one prescribed by the healthcare provider. This involves verifying the medication name, strength, and formulation against the order. In this scenario, the issue is not the medication itself, but rather the timing of its administration, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B rationale

"Right route" pertains to administering the medication via the prescribed pathway (e.g., oral, intravenous, subcutaneous). This ensures that the drug reaches the systemic circulation or target site effectively. The scenario explicitly states "oral guaifenesin," indicating the route was correct; the error lies in the timing.

Choice C rationale

"Right time" is a crucial aspect of medication administration, ensuring that the drug is given at the prescribed frequency and within the specified time window. Administering a medication 2 hours after its scheduled dose constitutes a deviation from the ordered time, potentially affecting its therapeutic efficacy or peak plasma concentration.

Choice D rationale

"Right dose" involves verifying that the amount of medication given is precisely what was ordered, preventing under-dosing or over-dosing. The scenario does not indicate any error in the quantity of guaifenesin administered, only the timing of its delivery. Therefore, this choice is not applicable to the described problem.

A. Anterior thighs. B. 2-in. around the umbilicus. C. Posterior upper arm. D. Lateral aspect of thigh. E. Forearms.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

The anterior thighs are a permissible site for subcutaneous injections because they offer a good layer of subcutaneous fat, which allows for proper absorption of the medication. The vastus lateralis muscle, located in this region, is often used, providing a safe and accessible area for injection due to its distance from major nerves and blood vessels.

Choice B rationale

The area 2 inches around the umbilicus, while containing subcutaneous tissue, is generally avoided for routine subcutaneous injections due to the presence of numerous blood vessels and nerve endings, which can increase the risk of pain, bruising, and potential complications. It's often reserved for specific medications like insulin.

Choice C rationale

The posterior upper arm, specifically the triceps area, is a common and appropriate site for subcutaneous injections. This region provides a sufficient layer of subcutaneous tissue for medication absorption and is relatively free of major nerves and blood vessels, minimizing discomfort and potential complications for the patient.

Choice D rationale

The lateral aspect of the thigh is a frequently used and recommended site for subcutaneous injections. Similar to the anterior thigh, this area offers a large surface of subcutaneous fat, facilitating optimal drug absorption and reducing the likelihood of injecting into muscle or hitting critical neurovascular structures.

Choice E rationale

The forearms, particularly the ventral aspect, are generally not preferred sites for routine subcutaneous injections due to the thinner subcutaneous tissue layer and the proximity of numerous blood vessels and nerves. This area is more commonly used for intradermal injections, where a shallower injection is required.

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The client asks what the effect of taking a medication on an empty stomach would be. The nurse answers:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The patient is to receive oral guaifenesin (Mucinex) twice a day. Today, the nurse was busy and gave the medication 2 hours after the scheduled dose was due. What type of problem does this represent?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Permissible sites for subcutaneous injections are? (SELECT 3 CORRECT OPTIONS)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Complete the following sentence using the list of options. Palpation is the assessment technique using the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling when the nurse is assessing a patient.

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