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.
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Which adverse reaction poses the greatest life-threatening risk when taking Omeprazole?
- A. Chest pain
- B. Constipation
- C. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- D. Acute interstitial nephritis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most life-threatening adverse reaction associated with Omeprazole is Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. This condition can be severe and life-threatening due to the potential for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and complications such as toxic megacolon. Chest pain, constipation, and acute interstitial nephritis are potential side effects of Omeprazole but are not considered as life-threatening as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Monitoring for signs of this adverse reaction is crucial, and immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms develop.
A 55-year-old man with a 40 pack-year history of smoking develops agranulocytosis and some leukemic features. His physical examination of the heart, lungs, and abdomen are within normal limits. Should this disease relate to a potential toxic exposure, which of the following should be considered most likely?
- A. Benzene
- B. Ethylene alcohol
- C. Carbon tetrachloride
- D. Methanol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Which of the following should the nurse include when providing dietary teaching for the patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
- A. Avoid drinking large amounts of green te
- C. Cranberry juice will provide you with needed nutrients while taking Coumadin.
- D. You must never eat spinach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should include the instruction to avoid drinking large amounts of green tea when providing dietary teaching for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy because green tea contains vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Maintaining consistent intake of vitamin K is important to ensure the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Therefore, it is recommended for patients on warfarin to consume a consistent amount of vitamin K-containing foods and avoid sudden, significant changes in their intake.
A client has a new prescription for colchicine to treat gout. Which of the following instructions should be included?
- A. Take this medication with food if nausea develops.
- B. Monitor for muscle pain.
- C. Expect to have increased bruising.
- D. Increase your intake of grapefruit juice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring for muscle pain is crucial when taking colchicine because it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition characterized by muscle breakdown. This adverse effect needs prompt identification to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking colchicine with food, experiencing increased bruising, or increasing grapefruit juice intake are not relevant instructions for a client prescribed colchicine for gout.
A client with cirrhosis is about to receive a dose of lactulose. The client questions the need for the medication, stating they are not constipated. The nurse should explain that lactulose is used in cirrhosis to reduce levels of which component in the bloodstream?
- A. Glucose
- B. Ammonia
- C. Potassium
- D. Bicarbonate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lactulose is administered to clients with cirrhosis to lower blood ammonia levels, thus aiding in the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated ammonia levels in cirrhosis can lead to cognitive impairment and hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Ammonia). Glucose (Choice A) is not the component targeted by lactulose in cirrhosis. Potassium (Choice C) and Bicarbonate (Choice D) are not directly affected by lactulose administration in cirrhosis.