Nokea
A client is questioning why she was told that the nausea she is experiencing with this new antidepressant medication will subside once her medication is regulated. Based on the pharmacologic principle of steady state, the nurse explains that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because steady state refers to the point where drug intake equals drug elimination in the body, leading to a constant drug concentration. This equilibrium is reached after approximately 4-5 half-lives of the medication. Once the body reaches steady state, the drug's effects, including nausea, become more predictable and stable.
Choice B is incorrect because blood work cannot determine the exact time it takes for the body to reach steady state.
Choice C is incorrect because the number of doses is not a reliable indicator for when steady state is reached, as it depends on the drug's half-life and individual factors.
Choice D is incorrect because stating that antidepressants have a relatively short half-life is not universally true, and the time to reach steady state can vary depending on the specific medication and individual factors.