The patient is taking low-dose aspirin daily for his heart. The nurse knows only a portion of the medication taken actually reaches the tissue due to what process?
Distribution
First-pass effect
Reduced absorption
Gastrointestinal circulation
The Correct Answer is B
A. Distribution refers to the movement of the drug from the bloodstream into tissues and organs, but it does not explain why only a portion of the medication reaches the tissues.
B. The first-pass effect occurs when an orally administered drug is metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation. Aspirin, when taken orally, undergoes significant metabolism in the liver, reducing the amount of active drug available to exert its therapeutic effect. This explains why only a portion of the drug reaches the tissues.
C. Reduced absorption can limit drug availability, but aspirin is generally well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The primary reason for reduced drug availability in this case is metabolism by the liver, not poor absorption.
D. Gastrointestinal circulation involves the enterohepatic recycling of some drugs, but it does not explain why only a portion of aspirin reaches systemic circulation. The first-pass effect is the primary factor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a) Oral medications, such as oral analgesics, undergo a disintegration process in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Tablets and capsules must break down into smaller particles to be dissolved and absorbed.
b) Subcutaneous medications bypass the GI tract and are absorbed directly into the tissue, so they do not require a disintegration process.
c) Intramuscular injections are directly absorbed into the bloodstream from muscle tissue and do not require disintegration.
d) Intravenous drugs are delivered directly into the bloodstream and are immediately available for action, eliminating the need for disintegration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a) Clarifying the order with the charge nurse is not the correct action. The charge nurse may not be able to clarify medication orders and is not the primary contact for this issue.
b) Diluting and administering the medication by gastrostomy tube (GT) is inappropriate because the medication is ordered to be taken p.o. (by mouth), not via the tube.
c) Clarifying the order with the healthcare provider is the most appropriate step. A p.o. order is typically for oral administration, but the client has a gastrotomy tube. The nurse should clarify with the provider whether the medication can be crushed and administered via the tube or if a different route or medication form is necessary.
d) Administering the medication p.o. as ordered would not be appropriate if the client is unable to take oral medications. The nurse should verify the appropriate route of administration based on the patient's condition.
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