The nurse is caring for a client who needs to have a peak drug level drawn. The client was given an oral medication 30 minutes ago. What is the best action by the nurse?
Wait for at least another 30 minutes before calling to have the level drawn.
Schedule the level to be drawn in 8 hours
Call the lab to have the medication level drawn immediately
Arrange for the level to be drawn tomorrow since the peak time has passed.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Wait for at least another 30 minutes before calling to have the level drawn:
For oral medications, peak drug levels are typically drawn 1 to 2 hours after administration, depending on the medication's pharmacokinetics. Since the client took the medication only 30 minutes ago, it is premature to draw the level now. Waiting an additional 30 minutes would align with the typical peak times for oral medications, ensuring that the drug level reflects its peak concentration.
B. Schedule the level to be drawn in 8 hours:
Drawing the peak level 8 hours after administration would likely be too late, as most oral medications reach their peak concentration within 1 to 2 hours. Scheduling the level for 8 hours later may result in an inaccurate measurement of the peak drug level, leading to potentially misleading clinical information.
C. Call the lab to have the medication level drawn immediately:
Drawing the level immediately after 30 minutes may not provide an accurate representation of the peak drug level. Oral medications generally reach peak levels later, and an early draw could result in a falsely low measurement that does not reflect the drug's maximum concentration.
D. Arrange for the level to be drawn tomorrow since the peak time has passed:
The peak time has not passed, as the medication was only administered 30 minutes ago. Drawing the level tomorrow would be far too late to assess the peak concentration accurately, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["13.3"]
Explanation
Let's calculate the dosage step-by-step:
1. Determine the total daily dosage:
20 mg/dose x 4 doses/day = 80 mg/day
2. Calculate the volume needed for one dose:
20 mg / 1.5 mg/mL = 13.33 mL
3. Round to the nearest tenth:
13.33 L ≈ 13.3 mL
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Does not have an effect: Food can significantly affect drug dissolution and absorption, so it is not accurate to say it has no effect. The presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract can alter how drugs are absorbed.
B) Increases: While food can sometimes increase the absorption of certain medications by stimulating digestive processes, it generally does not increase drug absorption for all medications. In many cases, food can delay or decrease the rate of drug absorption.
C) Decreases: Food commonly decreases the rate and extent of drug absorption. This can occur because food may bind to the drug, alter the pH of the stomach, or affect gastric emptying, leading to reduced drug dissolution and absorption.
D) Enhances: Food generally does not enhance drug dissolution and absorption for most medications. While some medications are better absorbed with food, in many cases, food can reduce the rate at which a drug is absorbed, leading to decreased efficacy.
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