Which of the following best describes how grapefruit juice typically interacts with medications?
It increases the metabolism of drugs in the liver
It decreases the absorption of medications
It only affects medications taken in the morning
It blocks the action of enzymes, leading to increased drug levels in the blood
The Correct Answer is D
A. It increases the metabolism of drugs in the liver: Grapefruit juice actually inhibits, rather than increases, the activity of liver enzymes particularly CYP3A4 resulting in slower drug metabolism and higher plasma concentrations of certain medications.
B. It decreases the absorption of medications: Grapefruit juice does not generally reduce drug absorption. In fact, by inhibiting intestinal enzymes, it can increase the absorption and bioavailability of some drugs, potentially raising them to toxic levels.
C. It only affects medications taken in the morning: The interaction is not time-specific. Grapefruit juice can affect drug metabolism even when consumed hours apart from the medication, as enzyme inhibition can persist for up to 24–72 hours.
D. It blocks the action of enzymes, leading to increased drug levels in the blood: Grapefruit juice inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes especially CYP3A4 in the intestinal wall. This results in decreased drug breakdown and higher systemic concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects and toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["150"]
Explanation
Total volume to be infused = 1200 mL
Total infusion time = 8 hours
- Calculate the flow rate in mL per hour (mL/hr):
Flow rate (mL/hr) = Total volume (mL) / Total infusion time (hours)
= 1200 mL / 8 hours
= 150 mL/hr
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Take the medication with milk: Milk contains calcium, which inhibits the absorption of iron by binding with it in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking ferrous sulfate with milk significantly reduces its effectiveness in treating iron-deficiency anemia.
B. Take the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in orange juice enhances the absorption of non-heme iron like ferrous sulfate by maintaining it in a more soluble and absorbable form. This maximizes the therapeutic benefit.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach to decrease gastrointestinal irritation: Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but it often causes GI upset, including nausea and constipation. Patients are typically advised to take it with a small amount of food if intolerance occurs not specifically to reduce GI irritation from the start.
D. Rinse the mouth before taking the iron: Rinsing the mouth beforehand has no clinical benefit. However, patients should be advised to rinse their mouth after taking liquid iron to prevent staining of the teeth, a known side effect of the liquid formulation.
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