The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a female client who delivered a healthy, full-term infant. What information should the nurse provide about taking medications while breast feeding?
The mother should not take any medication while breast feeding in order to prevent harm to the infant
Many medications cross into the breast milk in small amounts and could cause harm to the infant
While medication can cross into the breast milk, no infants have ever been harmed because of this
It is unlikely that a large enough amount of medication will cross into the breast milk and cause harm to the infant.
The Correct Answer is B
A) The mother should not take any medication while breast feeding in order to prevent harm to the infant: This statement is too restrictive and not accurate. While some medications should be avoided during breastfeeding, many medications can be taken safely in small amounts. The focus should be on which medications are safe for breastfeeding, not a blanket prohibition on all medications. Some medications are compatible with breastfeeding, and the benefits of taking them may outweigh any potential risks.
B) Many medications cross into the breast milk in small amounts and could cause harm to the infant: This statement is correct. While many medications do pass into breast milk in small amounts, it’s important to recognize that some medications can pose risks to the infant depending on the type of medication, dosage, and timing of breastfeeding. Nurses should educate the mother to always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
C) While medication can cross into the breast milk, no infants have ever been harmed because of this: This statement is not accurate. While many medications may pass into breast milk in small amounts, there are documented cases of infants being harmed by medications transferred via breastfeeding. It is crucial to be cautious and informed about the safety of medications taken during breastfeeding.
D) It is unlikely that a large enough amount of medication will cross into the breast milk and cause harm to the infant: While it may be true that in many cases, only small amounts of medication pass into breast milk, this statement oversimplifies the issue. The amount and type of medication, as well as the infant’s age, weight, and health, are all factors that need to be considered. Some medications may pose a significant risk to the infant, and careful evaluation is necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Here's the process for calculating the drug concentration after multiple half-lives:
First half-life: After 1 half-life, 50% of the original dose remains in the body.
200 mg x 0.50 = 100 mg remains after 1 half-life.
Second half-life: After 2 half-lives, 50% of the remaining drug will be eliminated.
100 mg x 0.50 = 50 mg remains after 2 half-lives.
Third half-life: After 3 half-lives, 50% of the remaining drug will be eliminated again.
50 mg x 0.50 = 25 mg remains after 3 half-lives.
Fourth half-life: After 4 half-lives, 50% of the remaining drug will be eliminated once more.
25 mg x 0.50 = 12.5 mg remains after 4 half-lives.
Now, we need to sum up the amount of drug remaining in the body at each half-life:
After 4 half-lives, there are 12.5 mg left from the original dose.
Total drug in the body after 4 half-lives = 200 mg - 12.5 mg = 375 mg.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Cut the 50 mcg/hr patch in half to obtain 25 mcg/hr dosing: Cutting a fentanyl patch in half is not recommended because it can lead to inconsistent dosing. The patches are designed to release medication at a controlled rate, and cutting them could cause the medication to be released too quickly or unevenly, which could result in overdose or insufficient relief of pain. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid altering the patch.
B) Ask pharmacy to send a 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch: The best course of action is to ask the pharmacy to send the correct 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch. This ensures that the patient receives the prescribed dose in the most accurate and safe manner. The 25 mcg/hr patch is formulated to deliver the correct amount of medication, and it will avoid any risk associated with altering the patch.
C) Contact the healthcare provider and request to increase the dose to 50 mcg/hr: Requesting an increase in the dose is premature without a clear justification from the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider decreased the dose to 25 mcg/hr for a reason, possibly due to side effects, effectiveness, or other clinical factors. Altering the prescribed dose without a proper review would be inappropriate. The nurse should follow the current prescribed dose and resolve the issue by requesting the correct patch from the pharmacy.
D) Remove the previous patch and apply the 50 mcg/hr patch in a different location: Switching to the 50 mcg/hr patch without approval could lead to administering an incorrect dose of fentanyl, which can increase the risk of overdose or severe side effects like respiratory depression. The nurse should adhere to the prescribed 25 mcg/hr dose and request the correct patch from the pharmacy rather than substituting with a higher dose patch.
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