What happens if you give two drugs together that are highly protein bound?
The drugs will compete for receptor sites
The client will have increased effects of both drugs
The client will have decreased effects of both drugs
Both drugs are equally bound to protein
The Correct Answer is B
A) The drugs will compete for receptor sites: While it's true that highly protein-bound drugs can compete for binding sites on proteins (like albumin), the main issue with highly protein-bound drugs interacting is not related to competition for receptor sites. The primary concern is how the drugs displace each other from the protein-binding sites, which can increase the free (active) drug levels in the bloodstream. This can lead to a higher pharmacological effect, especially if the unbound drug concentration rises to a therapeutic or toxic level.
B) The client will have increased effects of both drugs: This is the correct answer. When two highly protein-bound drugs are administered together, they can displace each other from protein-binding sites. This displacement increases the amount of free (active) drug in circulation, which may intensify the pharmacologic effects of both drugs. For example, if one drug displaces the other from its protein-binding site, more of the free drug will be available to exert its effects. This can increase the risk of side effects, toxicity, or both.
C) The client will have decreased effects of both drugs: This is incorrect. The opposite is true—when two highly protein-bound drugs are given together, the displacement of one drug increases the amount of the free drug available, leading to a stronger effect, not a weaker one. Decreased effects would occur if the drug had no access to the target receptor or if it were metabolized or eliminated too quickly, which isn't the case in this scenario.
D) Both drugs are equally bound to protein: While both drugs may bind to protein, they do not necessarily bind equally. One drug might bind more strongly or more selectively to the protein than the other, which could lead to displacement of the weaker-bound drug. The important point is that their competition for protein-binding sites can lead to an increase in free (active) drug concentrations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA): While a history of a CVA (stroke) is important to consider when prescribing medications, ondansetron is not contraindicated for clients with a history of CVA. The nurse would need to assess the client’s overall neurological status and risk factors but this condition is not an immediate concern for ondansetron use.
B) Depression: Ondansetron is not typically contraindicated in patients with depression. However, the nurse should be mindful of the potential for interactions with other medications the client may be taking for depression, but there is no direct contraindication between ondansetron and depression itself.
C) Glaucoma: This is the most concerning finding. Ondansetron can increase the risk of complications in clients with glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma. Ondansetron has some serotonin receptor-blocking properties that can cause dilation of the pupil, which could increase intraocular pressure in clients with glaucoma. Therefore, this condition would require careful monitoring, and the nurse would need to consult with the healthcare provider before administering ondansetron to a client with glaucoma.
D) Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): While patients with CHF need to be monitored for fluid balance, ondansetron is not contraindicated in clients with CHF. The primary concern in these patients would be potential fluid retention or electrolyte imbalances, but this is generally not a direct concern for the administration of ondansetron itself.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Hypersensitivity reaction: A hypersensitivity reaction typically involves an immune response where the body reacts to a substance as if it were harmful, leading to symptoms like rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing. However, low hemoglobin and low white blood cell counts are not typical signs of a hypersensitivity reaction. This would involve more common allergic symptoms like itching or swelling, rather than hematologic changes.
B) Paradoxical reaction: A paradoxical reaction refers to when a medication causes an effect opposite to the expected result. For example, a sedative causing agitation instead of sleepiness. While a paradoxical reaction can involve unexpected effects, the hematologic changes (low hemoglobin and white blood cell counts) in this scenario do not align with this type of response.
C) Idiosyncratic reaction: An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected response to
a medication that is not related to the drug's pharmacologic properties or the dose given. It may be related to genetic factors or other individual differences in how a person metabolizes or responds to the drug. The low hemoglobin and low white blood cell counts in this case are unusual effects of diphenhydramine and suggest an idiosyncratic response, where the client’s body is reacting in an unexpected way to the medication.
D) Anti-cholinergic reaction: Anti-cholinergic reactions are typically related to symptoms caused by the blocking of acetylcholine, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, or constipation. While diphenhydramine has anti-cholinergic properties, the symptoms described (low hemoglobin and white blood cell counts) are not typical of an anti-cholinergic reaction.
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