A nursing student is preparing to give a medication that has a boxed warning. The student asks the nurse what this means. What will the nurse explain about boxed warnings?
They indicate that a drug should not be given except in life-threatening circumstances.
They provide detailed information about medications that can have teratogenic effects.
They alert prescribers to measures to mitigate potential harm from side effects.
They provide information about antidotes in the event that toxicity occurs.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Boxed warnings, also known as black box warnings, are the strictest warnings put in the labeling of prescription drugs by the FDA when there is reasonable evidence of an association of a serious hazard with the drug. However, they do not necessarily indicate that a drug should only be given in life-threatening circumstances. Instead, they highlight the potential for serious or life-threatening risks and advise on how to use the drug safely.
Choice B Reason:
While some boxed warnings may include information about teratogenic effects (effects that can cause birth defects), this is not their primary purpose. Boxed warnings are broader and can apply to various serious risks, not just teratogenicity. Therefore, this choice is too narrow to be correct.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. Boxed warnings are designed to alert prescribers to serious or life-threatening risks associated with a drug and provide guidance on how to mitigate these risks. This can include recommendations for monitoring, dosage adjustments, or avoiding certain populations. The goal is to ensure that prescribers are fully aware of the risks and can take appropriate measures to minimize harm to patients.
Choice D Reason:
Boxed warnings do not typically provide information about antidotes for toxicity. While managing toxicity is an important aspect of drug safety, boxed warnings focus on alerting prescribers to serious risks and how to mitigate them, rather than detailing specific antidotes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Metabolic Acid Deficit (Metabolic Alkalosis)
Vomiting or continuous nasogastric suctioning leads to the loss of gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl)1. This loss results in a decrease in the body’s acid levels, leading to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis2. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to the loss of hydrogen ions (H+) and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. This condition can cause symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and light-headedness.
Choice B: Carbonic Acid Excess (Respiratory Acidosis)
Carbonic acid excess, or respiratory acidosis, occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH3. This condition is typically caused by respiratory issues such as hypoventilation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe asthma. It is not directly related to vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
Choice C: Metabolic Acid Excess (Metabolic Acidosis)
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of metabolic acids or a loss of bicarbonate. Common causes include renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe diarrhea. Vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which result in the loss of gastric acid, do not lead to metabolic acidosis but rather to metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D: Carbonic Acid Deficit (Respiratory Alkalosis)
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to an increase in blood pH. This condition is often caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety, fever, or high altitude. It is not related to the loss of gastric contents through vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Inducer medications do not increase the blood level of newly added medications. Instead, they enhance the activity of enzymes that metabolize drugs, leading to a faster breakdown and lower concentration of the new medication in the bloodstream. This can result in reduced efficacy of the newly added medication.
Choice B Reason:
Inducer medications increase the activity of enzymes, particularly those in the cytochrome P450 family, which are responsible for drug metabolism. This increased enzyme activity accelerates the breakdown of the newly added medication, thereby decreasing its blood level and potentially reducing its therapeutic effect. For example, rifampin is a well-known inducer that can significantly lower the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Choice C Reason:
Inducer medications do not increase the half-life of newly added medications. On the contrary, by enhancing the metabolic activity of enzymes, they typically reduce the half-life of the new medication. This means the drug is broken down and eliminated from the body more quickly.
Choice D Reason:
Inducer medications do have a significant effect on new medications. They alter the metabolism of drugs by increasing the activity of metabolic enzymes, which can lead to decreased blood levels and reduced effectiveness of the new medication. Ignoring this interaction can result in subtherapeutic drug levels and treatment failure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.