Author Question: The physician ordered a loading dose of medication for the patient; it is to be followed by a lower ... (Read 34 times)

segrsyd · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The physician ordered a loading dose of medication for the patient; it is to be followed by a lower dose. When the patient receives the lower dose, she says to the nurse, I think my doctor made a mistake; my medication dose is too low.

What is the best response by the nurse?
1. The initial dose shortened the half-life, so the medication would work more quickly.
2. We always give medications this way; the doctor did not make a mistake.
3. You had a larger dose initially so that the medication would work more quickly.
4. Giving a larger dose initially will reduce the chance of side effects.

Question 2

The nurse is conducting medication education for patients with hypertension. The focus of the education is on enhancing the absorption of their medications.

The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the patients make which statement?
1. We can safely take the drug for at least 6 months beyond the expiration date.
2. We don't need to worry about storage of the drug, it won't lose potency.
3. We should not take our medications with milk or dairy products.
4. We need to be careful about taking the medication with certain foods.

trog · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Loading doses of medications are used to quickly induce a therapeutic response. Loading doses do not shorten the half-life of a drug. Not all medications are initiated with a loading dose. Loading doses do not reduce the occurrence of side effects.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Food can alter the absorption of many medications. Storage can affect the medication's strength and may affect how it responds in the body. There are many more foods that will alter the absorption of medications other than milk and dairy products. Patients should be taught to avoid taking medications beyond the expiration date.