Nokea
The nurse administers a specific medication to an older adult patient every 4 hours. The patient has a history of chronic renal failure. Why would this patient be at risk for toxic drug levels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If a drug is taken in successive doses at intervals that are shorter than recommended, or if the body is unable to eliminate a drug properly, the drug can accumulate in the body, leading to toxic levels and adverse effects. This is a cumulative effect. First-pass effect addresses the reduction of available drug when taken orally due to metabolism in the liver before the drug reaches the bloodstream. Drug interactions occur when taken with other drugs, food, or complementary alternative therapies. Cross-tolerance is resistance to drugs within the same class.