Education on pharmacology is taking place on the nursing unit. ...

[Haya94]

Education on pharmacology is taking place on the nursing unit. The discussion involves the receptor sensitivity of a medication. The presenter asks the nurses to provide an example of desensitization.
 
  Which of the following responses would be an example of desensitization?
  a. The synthesis of more receptors
  b. Continuous exposure to antagonists
  c. Continual exposure to an agonist
  d. Antacids used to reduce gastric acid

Question 2

A patient has been receiving an antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic index for 10 days. Upon assessment, the nurse suspects that the patient may be experiencing toxicity. The nurse's priority action would be to
 
  a. call the prescriber and have the antibiotic changed.
  b. suspect an allergic reaction and administer a prn antihistamine.
  c. ask the prescriber to order a plasma drug level.
  d. set up oxygen and obtain an order for an antagonist.

[jrpg123456]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Continual exposure to an agonist would cause the cell to become less responsive or desensitized.
The synthesis of more receptors would create a hypersensitivity reaction.
Continuous exposure to antagonists would also contribute to hypersensitivity.
Antacids used to reduce gastric acid are an example of receptorless drugs.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A drug with a narrow therapeutic index indicates that a drug is relatively unsafe and should be monitored closely. The nurse should have a blood level drawn to confirm suspicions of toxicity.
The nurse would not have the antibiotic changed, because there is no cause at this time.
The patient is unlikely to be experiencing an allergic reaction, because the antibiotic has been in the system for 10 days.
There is no indication that the patient is anaphylactic, therefore oxygen and an antagonist are not indicated.

[Haya94]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[cpetit11]

Excellent