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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. An antibiotic medication that has a side effect of nausea when taken without food:
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics, when taken on an empty stomach. While this side effect may cause discomfort, it is generally not a contraindication to medication administration. Patients can often manage this side effect by taking the medication with food or as advised by their healthcare provider.
B. Administering medications to a client under 4 months of age:
While administering medications to very young children requires special considerations and dosing adjustments, it is not inherently a contraindication. The key is to ensure that the medications are appropriate for the age and weight of the infant, and are prescribed and dosed correctly.
C. An antihypertensive medication given for high-blood pressure that causes orthostatic hypotension:
Orthostatic hypotension is a known side effect of some antihypertensive medications. While this side effect needs to be managed carefully, it does not represent a contraindication to the medication. Adjusting the dose or changing medications may be required to manage this side effect.
D. A medication with a Blackbox warning that the drug causes tendonitis and the patient has a history of tendonitis:
A Black Box warning is the strictest warning put in the labelling of a prescription drug by the FDA. It indicates that the drug has significant risk of serious or life-threatening adverse effects. If a medication with a Black Box warning indicates a risk of tendonitis and the patient has a history of tendonitis, this represents a contraindication, as the drug could exacerbate or trigger the condition, posing a serious risk to the patient.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Distribution, Excretion, Absorption, Metabolism: This order is incorrect because absorption should occur before distribution. The medication must first be absorbed into the bloodstream before it can be distributed throughout the body. Excretion and metabolism follow after distribution, not before.
B) Absorption, Excretion, Metabolism, Distribution: This sequence is incorrect because distribution occurs after absorption and before metabolism. Excretion is the final step and occurs after metabolism.
C) Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion: This is the correct order. After oral administration, the medication is first absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. It is then distributed throughout the body. Following distribution, the medication undergoes metabolism (primarily in the liver) to be converted into more water-soluble forms for elimination. Finally, the medication is excreted from the body, typically through the kidneys
D) Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, Excretion: This order is incorrect because metabolism occurs after distribution, not before. After absorption, the drug must be distributed to various tissues before it is metabolized. Excretion is the final step following metabolism.
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