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.

Answer and Explanation

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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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.

A. Transdermal patch B. Topical ointment C. Suspended-release D. Sublingual

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Transdermal patch:
A transdermal patch provides a slow, continuous release of medication over a period of time. While it is useful for long-term management of conditions, it does not provide the rapid onset needed for acute situations. The medication gradually enters the bloodstream through the skin, making it less effective for immediate relief.

B. Topical ointment:
Topical ointments are applied to the skin and are absorbed locally at the site of application. They are not designed for rapid systemic absorption and typically have a slower onset compared to other routes like sublingual or intravenous.

C. Suspended-release:
Suspended-release formulations are designed for controlled, extended-release of medication over time. These are not intended for rapid onset but rather for maintaining therapeutic levels of the medication over an extended period. They are suitable for long-term treatment rather than immediate relief.

D. Sublingual:
Sublingual administration (under the tongue) provides the most rapid onset for nitroglycerin. This route allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism in the liver. This results in a quick therapeutic effect, which is crucial for managing acute angina attacks.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

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Correct Answer is D

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