Which factors may affect drug absorption? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Gastric emptying time
Capillary walls with large spaces between cells
Stability and solubility of the medication
Inspiratory effort
Presence of food in the stomach or intestines
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
A) Gastric emptying time:
Gastric emptying time plays a significant role in drug absorption. The faster the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine, the quicker the drug can be absorbed. If gastric emptying is delayed, such as with certain diseases, medications, or conditions (like gastroparesis), drug absorption may be slowed. Conversely, rapid gastric emptying can lead to quicker absorption, potentially reducing the time the drug has to exert its effects.
B) Capillary walls with large spaces between cells:
Capillary permeability influences how easily a drug can pass from the bloodstream into tissues. If the capillary walls have large gaps, such as in certain areas of the body (e.g., in the liver or spleen), drugs can more easily move across the capillary membrane and be absorbed into the system.
C) Stability and solubility of the medication:
For a drug to be absorbed effectively, it must be stable in the body and soluble in bodily fluids. Drugs that are poorly soluble or unstable in the stomach may not be absorbed efficiently. For instance, medications that are lipophilic (fat-soluble) may require a carrier or special formulation (e.g., emulsions or nanoparticles) to aid in absorption, whereas hydrophilic drugs may face challenges crossing cell membranes without assistance.
D) Inspiratory effort:
Inspiratory effort does not directly affect the absorption of drugs. Inspiratory effort refers to the act of inhaling, which is more relevant to drugs administered via inhalation (e.g., inhalers or nebulizers). It affects how well the drug is delivered to the lungs but does not influence absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or other routes of administration.
E) Presence of food in the stomach or intestines:
Food in the stomach or intestines can either speed up or slow down drug absorption. Some drugs are absorbed better on an empty stomach because food can slow gastric emptying and alter the drug's solubility. On the other hand, certain medications (e.g., fat-soluble drugs) may require food for optimal absorption.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Gamma globulin
Gamma globulin is a blood product used to provide passive immunity by supplying antibodies to prevent or treat certain infections. It is not used for digitalis toxicity, so A is incorrect.
B) Cardizem
Cardizem (diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker primarily used for controlling heart rate and treating conditions such as atrial fibrillation or angina. It is not used as an antidote for digoxin toxicity, so B is incorrect.
C) Protamine
Protamine is a medication used to reverse the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant. It works by neutralizing the anticoagulant activity of heparin, but it is not used to treat digitalis (digoxin) toxicity, so C is incorrect.
D) Digoxin immune fab
Digoxin immune fab is the specific antidote for digoxin toxicity. It consists of antibodies that bind to digoxin molecules, thereby neutralizing their toxic effects on the heart. This antidote is used when a patient exhibits severe symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as arrhythmias or life-threatening effects on the heart. Therefore, D is the correct answer.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "If I develop new symptoms like severe diarrhea, I should ignore them and finish the antibiotics."
New symptoms like severe diarrhea, especially if it is watery or bloody, can be a sign of a superinfection, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which is associated with antibiotic use. It is essential for the client to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately. Ignoring such symptoms can lead to serious complications.
B) "I need to finish all my antibiotics and report any unusual symptoms like a white coating on my tongue to my doctor."
Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to fully eradicate the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. The white coating on the tongue could indicate a fungal superinfection, such as oral thrush, which requires medical attention. This statement demonstrates an understanding of the importance of finishing antibiotics and recognizing potential side effects or superinfections.
C) "It is okay to share my antibiotics with family members if they have similar symptoms to mine."
Antibiotics should never be shared with others, even if they have similar symptoms. The antibiotics prescribed to a client are tailored to treat their specific infection, and taking the wrong antibiotic can lead to ineffective treatment, drug resistance, or adverse reactions. Sharing medication is dangerous and illegal.
D) "I should stop taking the antibiotics as soon as I feel better to avoid any side effects."
It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the client starts feeling better before the course is finished. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can result in the infection not being fully treated, leading to a relapse or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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