A patient with a respiratory infection asks the nurse why some antibiotics are prescribed to be given every 12 hours while others have to be taken 4 times per day. What is the nurse's best response?
"Regular doses are given based on the half life of the medication to maintain a therapeutic effect"
"We try to give the next dose of medication only after the last dose is gone"
"The time between medication varies to fit the nurse's schedule"
"We need to vary the times of administration to keep the blood levels fluctuating"
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dosing schedules are based on the medication's half-life to maintain a consistent therapeutic level in the bloodstream.
B. Medications are dosed at intervals to maintain therapeutic levels, not just after the last dose is gone.
C. Dosing schedules are determined by pharmacokinetics, not nurse convenience.
D. Consistent blood levels are usually desired for antibiotics, not fluctuating levels.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Anemia is not a common adverse effect of atenolol, a beta-blocker primarily affecting heart rate and blood pressure.
B. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is a known adverse effect of atenolol due to its action of slowing the heart rate to manage hypertension and other cardiac conditions.
C. Neutropenia (low neutrophil count) is not typically associated with atenolol use.
D. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not a common adverse effect of atenolol; electrolyte imbalances are more associated with diuretics.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Half-life refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the medication in the bloodstream to decrease by half, not the lowest serum concentration.
B. Peak refers to the highest concentration of the medication in the bloodstream after administration.
C. Trough is the lowest concentration of medication in the bloodstream, typically measured just before the next dose is due to ensure adequate drug levels.
D. Toxic level refers to a concentration at which the medication may cause adverse effects, not the lowest serum concentration.
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