Drug Classification Nursing

Drug Classification Nursing Related

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The student nurse asks the instructor why a patient with a central nervous system infection is receiving antibiotics that will not cross the blood-brain barrier. What is the instructor's most correct response?

  • A. A severe infection alters the blood-brain barrier to allow the drug to cross.
  • B. A medication that is water soluble is more likely to cross the blood-brain barrier.
  • C. Antibiotics are the exception to the blood-brain barrier and cross easily.
  • D. An infection that spreads outside the central nervous system helps drugs cross the barrier.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Effective antibiotic treatment can occur only when the infection is severe enough to alter the blood-brain barrier and allow antibiotics to cross. Lipid-soluble, not water-soluble, medications cross the blood-brain barrier more easily and most antibiotics are lipid soluble, so they are not the exception. No matter where the infection originates, drugs must cross the blood-brain barrier to treat central nervous system infections.

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An elderly person has been prescribed lactulose for treatment of chronic constipation. Monitoring with long-term treatment would include:

  • A. Electrolytes, including potassium and chloride
  • B. Bone mineral density for osteoporosis
  • C. Magnesium level
  • D. Liver function
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Lactulose can alter electrolytes (e.g., potassium) in the elderly; osteoporosis or magnesium aren't directly linked.

Which of the following is the indication for glucocorticoid prescribing?

  • A. Cataract
  • B. Prevention of respiratory distress
  • C. Hypofunction of thyroid gland
  • D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Glucocorticoids are indicated to prevent respiratory distress, such as in preterm infants for lung maturation.

Which lab test(s) would be used to assess liver and/or renal function before administering medications? (Select one that does not apply.)

  • A. CBC
  • B. LDH
  • C. ALT
  • D. Crs
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Liver function tests include LDH (lactic dehydrogenase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase). Renal function tests include Crs (serum creatinine) and BUN (blood urea nitrogen). Although a CBC (complete blood count) and an aPTT are useful in assessing the patient before administration of medication, they are not renal or hepatic function tests.

The following drug is not secreted in bile

  • A. Penicillin
  • B. Phenolphthalein
  • C. Novobiocin
  • D. Erythromycin
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Penicillin is excreted via kidneys; others are secreted in bile.

Therapeutic index of a drug is an indicator of

  • A. Potency
  • B. Safety
  • C. Toxicity
  • D. Efficacy
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Therapeutic index (TD50/ED50) measures the margin between therapeutic and toxic doses.

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