The healthcare provider orders azithromycin (Zithromax) 1000mg to be given as a loading dose. The nurse understands that the purpose of this loading dose is to:
Increase the duration of action of the medication
Decrease the frequency of subsequent doses.
Achieve therapeutic drug levels more rapidly
Minimize the risk of adverse effects
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increase the duration of action of the medication:
A loading dose is not intended to increase the duration of action of a medication. Instead, it aims to rapidly achieve therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. The duration of action is primarily influenced by the drug's half-life and how it's metabolized and excreted, rather than the initial dose.
B. Decrease the frequency of subsequent doses:
The primary goal of a loading dose is to reach therapeutic levels quickly, not necessarily to alter the frequency of future doses. While a loading dose can help achieve therapeutic levels faster, the dosing schedule is determined by the drug's pharmacokinetics and the condition being treated.
C. Achieve therapeutic drug levels more rapidly:
The main purpose of a loading dose is to quickly achieve a concentration of the medication in the blood that is sufficient to be therapeutic. By giving a larger initial dose, the medication reaches effective levels faster compared to gradually reaching those levels with smaller, incremental doses.
D. Minimize the risk of adverse effects:
Minimizing adverse effects is not the primary aim of a loading dose. While achieving therapeutic levels quickly may indirectly help in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes, the main purpose of a loading dose is to reach effective drug levels promptly, not specifically to reduce adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Right to education: While educating patients about their medications is important, it is not one of the traditional Five Rights of Medication Administration. Education ensures that patients understand their treatment, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence, but it is not a core component of the Five Rights.
B) Right Dose: Ensuring the correct dose is administered is crucial to avoid underdosing or overdosing, which can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse effects. The right dose is determined based on factors such as the patient’s age, weight, and medical condition.
C) Right Drug: Administering the correct drug is essential to ensure the patient receives the intended therapeutic effect. This involves verifying the medication name, checking for potential drug interactions, and confirming the prescription details.
D) Right Patient: Verifying the patient’s identity before administering medication is critical to prevent medication errors. This typically involves checking the patient’s wristband, asking for their name and date of birth, and cross-referencing with the medication order.
E) Right Assessment: While assessing the patient before medication administration is important, it is not one of the traditional Five Rights. Assessment involves evaluating the patient’s condition, allergies, and potential contraindications to ensure safe medication administration.
F) Right Evaluation: Evaluating the patient’s response to medication is important for ongoing care, but it is not one of the traditional Five Rights. Evaluation helps determine the effectiveness of the medication and identify any adverse reactions or need for dosage adjustments.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. Given that the client has overdosed on morphine and is exhibiting a critically low respiratory rate of 6/min, naloxone is the appropriate medication to administer to reverse the effects of morphine and restore normal breathing.
B) Flumazenil: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose. It is not effective for opioid overdoses, such as those caused by morphine.
C) Protamine: Protamine is used to reverse the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant, and is not relevant in the context of opioid overdose. It does not address the respiratory depression caused by morphine.
D) Epinephrine: Epinephrine is used in cases of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions and is not appropriate for reversing opioid overdose. It would not address the respiratory depression caused by morphine overdose.
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.