A nurse is administering drugs to a 70-year-old patient who has a reduced plasma albumin level. When assessing the patient for therapeutic outcomes of drug therapy, the nurse will also be careful to observe for

A. A reduced plasma albumin level can lead to increased free drug levels in the bloodstream, raising the risk of drug toxicity, particularly for highly protein-bound medications.

B. Decreased therapeutic effects are less likely because the decrease in albumin can lead to higher free drug concentrations, which may actually increase effects rather than decrease them.

C. Altered drug absorption is generally not directly influenced by plasma albumin levels; it relates more to gastrointestinal factors.

D. Increased drug metabolism is not a direct consequence of lower albumin levels; instead, the concern is primarily about increased free drug concentrations and potential toxicity.

A. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that can raise blood pressure and cause increased heart rate, so it is essential to assess the patient’s history of hypertension before starting this medication.

B. While a dry cough may be relevant for other medications, it is not a primary concern when assessing for the use of pseudoephedrine.

C. Recent use of antibiotics is not directly related to the safety of using pseudoephedrine and is not a typical concern.

D. A history of seizures is not a specific contraindication for using pseudoephedrine, although it may warrant caution in some cases.