Nursing Pharmacology Drug Classification Chart Related

Review Nursing Pharmacology Drug Classification Chart related questions and content

A patient has a drug level of 50 units/mL and the drug's half-life is 1 hour. If concentrations above 25 units/mL are considered toxic and no more drug is given, how long will it take for the blood level to reach the nontoxic range?

  • A. 30 minutes
  • B. 1 hour
  • C. 2 hours
  • D. 3 hours
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Half-life is the time required for the serum concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%. After 1 hour, the serum concentration would be 25 units/mL (50/2). After 2 hours, the serum concentration would be 12.5 units/mL (25/2) and reach the nontoxic range.