The nurse is teaching nursing students about the concept of medications’ half-life. The nurse asks students: If we administer 10 mg of medication X, which has a half-life of one day, to the patient, how much medication will remain in the patient’s body after three days?
0 mg, the medication will be out of the patient’s body.
1.25 mg.
5 mg.
1 mg.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
The statement that the medication will be completely out of the patient’s body after three days is incorrect. The half-life of a drug indicates the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to reduce by half. After one half-life (one day), 50% of the drug remains. After two half-lives (two days), 25% remains. After three half-lives (three days), 12.5% remains. Therefore, some amount of the drug will still be present in the body after three days.
Choice B Reason:
To calculate the amount of medication remaining after three days, we use the half-life formula. Starting with 10 mg, after one day (one half-life), 5 mg remains. After two days (two half-lives), 2.5 mg remains. After three days (three half-lives), 1.25 mg remains. This calculation shows that 1.25 mg of the medication will still be in the patient’s body after three days.
Choice C Reason:
The choice of 5 mg is incorrect because it represents the amount of medication remaining after one half-life (one day), not three half-lives. After one day, 50% of the initial dose remains, which is 5 mg. However, the question asks for the amount remaining after three days.
Choice D Reason:
The choice of 1 mg is also incorrect. After three half-lives, the amount of medication remaining is 12.5% of the initial dose. For an initial dose of 10 mg, this would be 1.25 mg, not 1 mg. The calculation must accurately reflect the reduction by half for each half-life period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Metabolic Acid Deficit (Metabolic Alkalosis)
Vomiting or continuous nasogastric suctioning leads to the loss of gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl)1. This loss results in a decrease in the body’s acid levels, leading to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis2. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to the loss of hydrogen ions (H+) and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. This condition can cause symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and light-headedness.
Choice B: Carbonic Acid Excess (Respiratory Acidosis)
Carbonic acid excess, or respiratory acidosis, occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH3. This condition is typically caused by respiratory issues such as hypoventilation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe asthma. It is not directly related to vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
Choice C: Metabolic Acid Excess (Metabolic Acidosis)
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of metabolic acids or a loss of bicarbonate. Common causes include renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe diarrhea. Vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which result in the loss of gastric acid, do not lead to metabolic acidosis but rather to metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D: Carbonic Acid Deficit (Respiratory Alkalosis)
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to an increase in blood pH. This condition is often caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety, fever, or high altitude. It is not related to the loss of gastric contents through vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tertiary prevention involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This includes rehabilitation and efforts to prevent further complications or deterioration. Vaccination, however, is aimed at preventing the disease before it occurs, which does not align with the concept of tertiary prevention.
Choice B Reason:
Primary prevention refers to actions taken to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs. Vaccination is a classic example of primary prevention because it aims to protect individuals from contracting diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. In this case, the meningococcal vaccine helps prevent meningitis, making it a primary preventive measure.
Choice C Reason:
Disease treatment involves managing and caring for a patient to combat a disease or condition. This includes interventions aimed at curing the disease, alleviating symptoms, or preventing complications. Vaccination does not fall under disease treatment because it is a preventive measure rather than a therapeutic one
Choice D Reason:
Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. This includes screening tests and early treatment of conditions to halt or slow their progression. Vaccination, however, is intended to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, which is not the goal of secondary prevention.
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