A nurse is explaining myasthenia gravis to a family. Which of the following points would be included in the explanation? (Select All that Apply.)

A) Excretion:
This is the correct answer. The kidneys play a crucial role in the excretion of drugs and their metabolites from the body. After drugs undergo metabolism in the liver or other tissues, the resulting metabolites are often water-soluble and can be filtered by the kidneys into the urine. This process helps eliminate drugs and their byproducts from the body, preventing their accumulation and potential toxicity.

B) Absorption:
Absorption refers to the movement of drugs from the site of administration into the bloodstream. While the kidneys do not directly facilitate drug absorption, they may indirectly influence drug absorption by regulating blood flow and systemic circulation.

C) Metabolism:
Metabolism, or biotransformation, involves the enzymatic alteration of drugs into metabolites, which are often more water-soluble and easier to excrete. While the liver is the primary site of drug metabolism, the kidneys do not play a direct role in drug metabolism.

D) Distribution:
Distribution refers to the movement of drugs from the bloodstream to various tissues and organs in the body. While the kidneys do not directly influence drug distribution, changes in renal function can affect drug distribution by altering blood flow and plasma protein binding. However, the primary role of the kidneys in pharmacokinetics is excretion, not distribution.

Bethanechol is not indicated for the relief of severe pain following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Pain management for postoperative discomfort typically involves analgesics such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), depending on the severity of pain. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) Frequent episodes of painful urination:
While frequent episodes of painful urination may occur after a TURP due to irritation of the urinary tract, bethanechol is not typically administered to address this symptom. Painful urination is often managed with analgesics and may improve as the urinary tract heals. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

C) An inability to void:
This is the correct response. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates bladder contraction and can be used to treat urinary retention or an inability to void following surgical procedures such as TURP. By increasing bladder tone and promoting urination, bethanechol helps relieve urinary retention and prevents complications associated with prolonged bladder distension.

D) Bladder spasms:
While bladder spasms may occur postoperatively following a TURP, bethanechol is not typically administered to address this symptom. Bladder spasms are often managed with anticholinergic medications or muscle relaxants to reduce involuntary contractions of the bladder. Therefore, this option is incorrect.”