Author Question: One of the major cautions in using anticholinergic drugs is their narrow therapeutic index. The ... (Read 53 times)

swpotter12 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

One of the major cautions in using anticholinergic drugs is their narrow therapeutic index. The nurse knows this means:

a. it only takes a small amount of medication to treat the problem.
b. the difference between a therapeutic and toxic dose is small.
c. clients may stop taking the medication due to side effects.
d. the therapeutic level of a drug is reached quickly.

Question 2

After teaching a client prescribed an alpha adrenergic blocker about adverse effects of his medication, the nurse assesses that the client understands the teaching when the client responds:

a. I should suck on sugar-free hard candy if my mouth gets too dry.
b. I should rise slowly from a reclined or sitting position.
c. I should be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation.
d. If I miss a dose, I should double the next dose and then get back on schedule.

yeungji · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect: This is not the meaning of narrow therapeutic index.
B Correct: A narrow therapeutic index means the difference between the therapeutic dose and the toxic dose is small.
C Incorrect: This is not the meaning of narrow therapeutic index.
D Incorrect: This is not the meaning of narrow therapeutic index.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect: This would be appropriate for an anticholinergic agent.
B Correct: These agents are used to treat hypertension and can cause orthostatic hypotension.
C Incorrect: This would be appropriate for an adrenergic agent.
D Incorrect: This could produce potentially life-threatening hypotension.