Author Question: What does the novice nurse identify as a characteristic that assists psychotropic medications in ... (Read 26 times)

gbarreiro · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

What does the novice nurse identify as a characteristic that assists psychotropic medications in penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

1. They are acidic.
2. They are lipophilic.
3. They are water soluble.
4. They have large molecules.

Question 2

What aspects of medication administration can be influenced by the expected half-life of the drug? Select all that apply.

1. Dosage
2. Acid-base balance
3. Frequency of administration
4. Expected duration of drug in the body
5. Anticipated duration of targeted effects

ansleighelindsey · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: Psychotropic medications gain entrance and leave the protected brain environment by being lipophilic (preferring fat-soluble molecules). Acidity does not affect BBB penetration. Water solubility affects absorption, not BBB penetration. Large molecules prevent BBB penetration.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1, 3, 4, 5
Explanation: The expected half-life of a drug and its influence on achieving a steady state (when the amount of a drug being taken into the body equals the amount of the drug being eliminated) can influence decisions on dosage and frequency of administration. It can also provide information on the anticipated duration of targeted effects and the expected duration the drug remains in the body. Acid-base balance is not controlled by drug half-life.