Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions Related

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The health care provider has changed a client's prescription from the PO to the IV route of administration. The nurse should anticipate which change in the pharmacokinetic properties of the medication?

  • A. The client will experience increased tolerance to the drug's effects and may need a higher dose.
  • B. The onset of action of the drug will occur more rapidly, resulting in a more rapid effect.
  • C. The medication will be more highly protein-bound, increasing the duration of action.
  • D. The therapeutic index will be increased, placing the client at greater risk for toxicity.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When changing the route of administration from PO to IV, the absorption process is bypassed, leading to a more rapid onset of action of the medication and consequently a quicker effect. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased drug tolerance and higher doses are not typical outcomes of changing the route of administration. Protein binding does not increase with a change to IV administration; rather, it is the bioavailability and onset of action that are affected. Moreover, an increased therapeutic index reduces the risk of drug toxicity, contrary to what is stated in choice D.