A client presents to the healthcare setting with a diagnosis of chronic liver failure. The nurse understands this will affect which step of pharmacokinetics?
Absorption
Excretion
Metabolism
Distribution
The Correct Answer is C
A. Absorption:
Chronic liver failure primarily affects the metabolism of drugs rather than their absorption. While liver disease can impact various bodily functions, the absorption of medications is generally more influenced by gastrointestinal factors and not as directly affected by liver function.
B. Excretion:
Excretion of drugs is primarily managed by the kidneys, not the liver. While liver failure can lead to changes in drug metabolism, it does not directly impair the excretion process, which is largely renal. However, compromised liver function can indirectly affect renal excretion due to altered pharmacokinetics.
C. Metabolism:
Liver failure significantly affects drug metabolism. The liver is the primary site for the metabolism of many medications, converting drugs into more water-soluble compounds for excretion. In chronic liver failure, the liver's ability to metabolize drugs is impaired, leading to potential drug accumulation and increased risk of toxicity. This step of pharmacokinetics is most directly impacted by liver dysfunction.
D. Distribution:
While liver function can affect drug distribution to some extent, it is not as directly impacted as metabolism. Distribution can be influenced by factors such as changes in plasma protein levels and blood flow, but the liver's primary role in drug metabolism is more directly affected by chronic liver failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This hospital might use a different manufacturer, but the medication is the same:
While it is possible that different manufacturers might produce pills of varying appearances, this response does not directly address the client's concern or involve them in verifying the medication. It's important for the nurse to first understand what the client is accustomed to before providing reassurance about the medication.
B. What does your usual pill look like?:
Asking the client to describe their usual pill is the best response. This approach allows the nurse to verify the medication in question by comparing it to the client’s known medication. It also reassures the client that their concerns are being taken seriously and provides an opportunity for the nurse to check if there has been an error or if the medication is indeed correct.
C. This is the medication prescribed by your provider:
While this statement is factual, it does not directly address the client’s concern about the appearance of the medication. It's important to involve the client in verifying the medication to ensure they are receiving the correct drug and to maintain their trust.
D. This pill is probably from a different lot number than yours at home:
This response assumes the issue is related to the lot number, which may not be the case. It does not involve the client in the verification process or address their specific concern about the appearance of the medication. Providing a more thorough and engaging response would be more appropriate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) 2 mg: This dosage is incorrect because it represents two milligrams, which is ten times the intended amount of two-tenths of a milligram (0.2 mg). The intended dosage is much smaller, so this option does not accurately represent the prescribed amount.
B) 0.20 mg: Although this representation is correct, the trailing zero is not necessary and can lead to potential confusion or errors. Standard practice often omits the trailing zero to simplify and clarify dosage instructions.
C) 0.2 mg: This is the most appropriate and clear way to write two-tenths of a milligram. It includes a leading zero before the decimal point, which is important for clarity and reducing the risk of misinterpretation. This format adheres to best practices in medication transcription.
D) 2.0 mg: This option is incorrect because it represents two milligrams, not two-tenths of a milligram. The decimal point and trailing zero do not change the fact that the dosage is significantly larger than what is intended.
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