The nurse is preparing to give a medication for pain. The label states that the drug is “lipid soluble.” How soon should the nurse expect to observe the effects of the drug?

Choice A reason: A 25-year-old man typically has mature liver and kidney function, efficiently metabolizing and excreting CNS depressants like benzodiazepines. Toxicity risk is lower compared to neonates, whose immature systems impair drug clearance, making this choice less critical for close toxicity monitoring.

Choice B reason: A 15-year-old boy has relatively mature metabolic pathways, though not fully adult-like. CNS depressants are cleared more effectively than in neonates, reducing toxicity risk. Adolescents are less vulnerable than infants to accumulation, making this choice less concerning for drug toxicity observation.

Choice C reason: A 3-week-old neonate has immature liver enzymes (e.g., CYP450) and reduced renal clearance, increasing the risk of CNS depressant toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, sedation). Their low body mass and underdeveloped metabolism necessitate close monitoring, making this the correct choice for heightened toxicity vigilance.

Choice D reason: A 25-year-old woman, like men of the same age, typically has efficient drug metabolism and excretion. CNS depressants pose lower toxicity risk compared to neonates, whose immature systems lead to drug accumulation, making this choice less critical for close toxicity monitoring.

Choice A reason: Salt substitutes contain potassium, which risks hyperkalemia with spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic. This is dangerous, so it’s incorrect for understanding.

Choice B reason: Spironolactone spares potassium, so stopping supplements prevents hyperkalemia, a serious risk. This shows correct understanding, making it the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Spironolactone reduces fluid, not causes overhydration. Monitoring for dehydration is more relevant, so this is incorrect for the medication’s effects.

Choice D reason: Spironolactone’s effects take days to weeks, not hours. Immediate improvement is unrealistic, so this is incorrect for proper patient understanding.