Author Question: A client is prescribed a loading dose of a cardiac glycoside for an exacerbation of heart failure. ... (Read 39 times)

dmcintosh · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is prescribed a loading dose of a cardiac glycoside for an exacerbation of heart failure. When the client comments, I usually take a much lower dose, which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

1. Giving a large dose will reduce the incidence of side effects.
2. You are being given a large dose in order to increase blood levels of the drug quickly.
3. The health care provider ordered this dose, so I need to administer it.
4. Your usual dose is probably no longer effective for your condition, and you need to be on a higher dose now.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a client about the loading dose of antibiotic that will be administered later in the day.

The client demonstrates understanding by stating that the medication will reach a therapeutic dose in____ hour(s) versus the 48 hours that would be required for the routine medication dose.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate word.

matt · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Giving a larger dose actually could increase the incidence of side effects.
Rationale 2: Loading doses of medications are used to provide a more rapid increase in the blood level of the drug, resulting in a quicker therapeutic response.
Rationale 3: Although this is an accurate statement, it does not provide an explanation to the client as to why a larger dose is being administered.
Rationale 4: A loading dose is usually only given once, and the client will then be put back on the average daily dose.
Global Rationale: Loading doses of medications are used to provide a more rapid increase in the blood level of the drug, resulting in a quicker therapeutic response. Giving a larger dose actually could increase the incidence of side effects. Although the health care provider did order the dose, it does not provide an explanation to the client as to why a larger dose is being administered. A loading dose is usually only given once, and the client will then be put back on the average daily dose.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 12
Rationale: It takes almost five doses (48 hours) before a therapeutic level is reached using a routine dosing schedule. With a loading dose, a therapeutic level is reached within 12 hours.
Global Rationale: It takes almost five doses (48 hours) before a therapeutic level is reached using a routine dosing schedule. With a loading dose, a therapeutic level is reached within 12 hours.