The nurse sees that the client has been prescribed a loading dose ...

[formula1]

The nurse sees that the client has been prescribed a loading dose of medication. What effect should the nurse expect to result from the client receiving a loading dose?
 
  a. A rapid maximum effective concentration
  b. Maintenance dose the lowest plasma concentration of the drug
  c. Therapeutic dose the highest plasma concentration of the drug
  d. A rapid minimum effective concentration

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client who needs to have a peak drug level drawn. He was given the oral medication 30 minutes ago. What is the best action on the part of the nurse?
 
  a. Call the lab to have the medication level drawn immediately.
  b. Arrange for the level to be drawn tomorrow since the peak time has passed.
  c. Wait for at least another 30 minutes before calling to have the level drawn.
  d. Schedule the level to be drawn in 8 hours.

[pikon]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
When immediate drug response is desired, a large initial dose, known as the loading dose, of drug is given to achieve a rapid minimum effective concentration in the plasma. After a large initial dose, a prescribed dosage per day is ordered.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The peak drug level for an oral drug can be 1 to 3 hours after drug administration.