NCLEX RN Practice Tests Related

Review NCLEX RN Practice Tests related questions and content

The physician has ordered that a serum trough level be drawn for a medication. Which of the following is the correct time to draw blood for a trough level?

  • A. At the midpoint in time between two scheduled doses of the drug.
  • B. At the time the drug peaks.
  • C. Immediately after a scheduled dose is administered.
  • D. Immediately before a scheduled dose is due.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A trough level is drawn immediately before a scheduled dose (D) to measure the lowest drug concentration in the blood. Other times (A, B, C) do not reflect the trough level.