The nurse is preparing to administer medications through a tube.
Which of the following should she remember before administering the medications?
Have the patient lie flat before administering the medications.
Administer the medications if the residual is 200 ml or more.
Mix all medications together before putting them through the tube.
Elevate the head of the patient's bed at least 30 degrees before administering the medications.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Having the patient lie flat before administering medications through a tube increases the risk of aspiration, as gastric contents can reflux into the esophagus and potentially enter the airway. Proper patient positioning is crucial to promote safe medication delivery and prevent pulmonary complications.
Choice B rationale
Administering medications when gastric residual volume is 200 mL or more is generally not recommended. A high residual volume indicates delayed gastric emptying, increasing the risk of aspiration and potentially affecting medication absorption. Typically, residuals of 200-250 mL or more warrant holding the feeding and reassessing.
Choice C rationale
Mixing all medications together before administration is often inappropriate and can lead to several problems. Drug incompatibilities can occur, altering medication effectiveness, causing precipitation, or leading to tube occlusion. Each medication should generally be administered separately, flushed with water between doses.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the head of the patient's bed to at least 30 degrees before administering medications through a tube significantly reduces the risk of aspiration. This semi-Fowler's position utilizes gravity to keep gastric contents in the stomach, promoting safe passage of medications and minimizing reflux into the esophagus and lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The peak plasma level represents the maximum concentration of a drug achieved in the bloodstream after administration. While half-life influences the time to reach steady state, it does not directly determine the magnitude of the peak plasma level, which is more dependent on dose, absorption rate, and distribution volume.
Choice B rationale
Onset of action refers to the time it takes for a drug to exert its therapeutic effects after administration. While related to pharmacokinetic properties, the half-life primarily dictates the duration of drug presence and accumulation, not the immediate time to initial effect, which is more influenced by absorption and distribution.
Choice C rationale
A drug's half-life is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to be reduced by 50%. This pharmacokinetic parameter is critical for determining appropriate dosing intervals to maintain therapeutic drug levels within a desired range over a 24-hour period, preventing accumulation or sub-therapeutic concentrations.
Choice D rationale
The duration of effectiveness refers to the length of time a drug produces its therapeutic effect. While the half-life influences how long a drug remains in the system, the duration of effectiveness is also dependent on the drug's mechanism of action, receptor binding, and the patient's individual physiological responses, not solely on half-life.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Tolerance is a physiological adaptation to a drug, characterized by a decreased response to the same dose, or a need for increased doses to achieve the same effect. In this case, the increased dosage of morphine over several weeks indicates that the client's body has adapted to the drug's effects, requiring more to manage pain.
Choice B rationale
An adverse reaction is an undesirable and unintended effect of a drug, occurring at normal doses. While an increased dosage might lead to adverse effects, the described scenario specifically highlights the need for a higher dose to maintain efficacy, which is characteristic of tolerance, not simply an adverse reaction.
Choice C rationale
Idiosyncrasy refers to an unpredictable, uncharacteristic, or exaggerated response to a drug that is not an allergic reaction. It is typically a genetically determined abnormal response that occurs with initial exposure or after a few doses, unlike tolerance which develops over time with repeated exposure.
Choice D rationale
Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, often more than medically necessary. While the client is receiving medication, the scenario specifically describes a change in dosage of a single medication due to a diminished response, which is characteristic of tolerance, not polypharmacy.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.