What does it mean when a medication has a half-life?
- A. It only lasts for 30 minutes after the medication is given
- B. How long it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream
- C. It is the peak of how effective the medicine is
- D. Drug is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a medication has a half-life, it refers to the time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This parameter is crucial in understanding the duration of action and dosing intervals for medications in clinical practice. Choice A is incorrect as the half-life is not about how long the medication lasts but about elimination from the body. Choice C is incorrect because the half-life is not about the peak effectiveness of the medicine. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately define the concept of half-life.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient is receiving thrombolytic therapy, and the nurse monitors the patient for adverse effects. What is the most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy?
- A. Dysrhythmias
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Anaphylactic reactions
- D. Internal and superficial bleeding
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy is bleeding, both internal and superficial. Thrombolytic agents work by dissolving blood clots, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Patients receiving thrombolytic therapy should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, petechiae, hematomas, or gastrointestinal bleeding. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess and manage the risk of bleeding while administering thrombolytic therapy to minimize potential complications. Dysrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, and anaphylactic reactions are less common adverse effects of thrombolytic therapy compared to bleeding.
Which medication is used as a bronchodilator?
- A. Warfarin
- B. Lovastatin
- C. Albuterol
- D. Valproate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is the correct answer. It is a medication commonly used as a bronchodilator to treat conditions such as asthma. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing better airflow and making breathing easier for individuals with respiratory conditions. Warfarin (Choice A) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, Lovastatin (Choice B) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels, and Valproate (Choice D) is used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder. These medications are not bronchodilators and are used for different medical conditions.
A client has a new prescription for Atenolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
- A. Take this medication with grapefruit juice.
- B. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
- C. You may experience a rapid heart rate.
- D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly.' Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. Patients should monitor their blood pressure and heart rate regularly to assess the medication's effectiveness and check for adverse effects like bradycardia or hypotension. Choice A is incorrect because Atenolol should not be taken with grapefruit juice, which can interfere with its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because Atenolol typically causes a decrease in heart rate, not a rapid heart rate. Choice D is incorrect because there is no specific need to increase potassium-rich foods while taking Atenolol.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical history of a client who has a new prescription for Metformin to treat type 2 diabetes. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?
- A. Hemoglobin A1C of 7.5%
- B. Creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL
- C. BUN level of 18 mg/dL
- D. Liver function tests showing AST of 50 units/L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Elevated AST levels in liver function tests should be reported to the provider when a client is prescribed Metformin due to the potential risk of hepatotoxicity associated with the medication. Elevated Hemoglobin A1C (choice A), Creatinine level within normal range (choice B), and BUN level within normal range (choice C) are not directly concerning when initiating Metformin therapy.
A patient is receiving an IV infusion of heparin and was started on warfarin therapy the night
- A. Which statement is most correct?
- B. The patient is receiving a double dose of anticoagulants.
- C. The heparin therapy was ineffective, so the warfarin was starte
- D. The heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reache
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that the heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reached. Heparin has an immediate onset of action and is used initially to rapidly provide anticoagulation. Warfarin, on the other hand, has a delayed onset of action and requires several days to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. Therefore, heparin is often overlapped with warfarin until the latter reaches its full anticoagulant effect. This overlapping strategy helps prevent a gap in anticoagulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. So, the statement that the heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reached is the most correct in this case.