The nurse assessed a client with a toxic level of medication with a half-life of 2 hours. The current toxic level is 40 mEq/dL. The normal range for the medication is 5-10 mEq/L. How many hours will it take for the medication to reach the normal range?
25 hours
24 hours
2 hours
4 hours
The Correct Answer is A
The half-life of a medication is the time it takes for the concentration of the medication in the body to decrease by half. In this case, the medication has a half-life of 2 hours and a current toxic level of 40 mEq/dL. After 2 hours, the level will decrease to 20 mEq/dL. After another 2 hours (4 hours total), the level will decrease to 10 mEq/dL, which is within the normal range. However, it will take another 21 half-lives (42 hours) for the level to reach 5 mEq/dL, which is the lower end of the normal range. Therefore, it will take a total of 25 hours (4 + 21) for the medication to reach the normal range.
Option B is incorrect because it would take much longer than 24 hours for the medication to reach the normal range.
Option C is incorrect because it would only take 2 hours for the medication to decrease by half, not reach the normal range.
Option D is incorrect because it would take longer than 4 hours for the medication to reach the normal range.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse would need to report an oral temperature of 101 F to the provider immediately. This could be a sign of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol ¹. NMS can cause high fever, muscle rigidity, and changes in mental status ¹.
Option A is incorrect because dry mouth is a common side effect of haloperidol and would not need to be reported to the provider immediately ².
Option C is incorrect because drowsiness is a common side effect of haloperidol and would not need to be reported to the provider immediately ⁴.
Option D is incorrect because a blood pressure of 104/72 mmHg is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the provider immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders ¹. It can also be used as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects ³.
Option A is not correct because paroxetine is an antidepressant and is not commonly used as a sleep aid.
Option B is not correct because buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication and is not commonly used as a sleep aid.
Option D is not correct because amitriptyline is an antidepressant and is not commonly used as a sleep aid.
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