What is the process by which a drug is transported by circulating body fluids to receptor sites?

Choice A Reason:

An idiosyncratic effect is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose and is not a common side effect. These reactions are often due to genetic differences in metabolism or immune response. In this case, shortness of breath is a known reaction for some patients taking the drug, so it is not considered idiosyncratic.

Choice B Reason:

A teratogenic effect refers to a drug’s potential to cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus when taken by a pregnant woman. Since the patient is experiencing shortness of breath, which is a known reaction to the drug, this choice is not relevant to the situation.

Choice C Reason:

This is the correct answer. A side effect is a secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment. Since the nurse found that shortness of breath is a known reaction for some patients taking the drug, it is classified as a side effect. The nurse should report this to the provider to ensure proper management and monitoring.

Choice D Reason:

The symptom of shortness of breath is related to the medication administration, as confirmed by the drug administration manual. Therefore, this choice is incorrect. The nurse must report the side effect to the provider for appropriate action.

Choice A Reason:

The exhaustion stage is the final phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). It occurs when the body has been exposed to stress for a prolonged period and can no longer maintain resistance. Symptoms of exhaustion include fatigue, burnout, depression, and decreased stress tolerance. Since the student is experiencing an immediate response to a sudden stressor, this stage does not apply.

Choice B Reason:

Adaptation is not a specific stage in the general adaptation syndrome. The correct stages are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C Reason:

This is the correct answer. The alarm stage is the initial phase of the general adaptation syndrome, also known as the “fight-or-flight” response. During this stage, the body reacts to a stressor by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness. The student’s reaction to the near-miss accident fits this description perfectly.

Choice D Reason:

The stage of resistance is the second phase of the general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor and return to a state of balance. If the stressor persists, the body remains on high alert, but the initial shock of the alarm stage has passed. Since the student’s response is immediate and acute, it aligns with the alarm stage rather than the resistance stage.