A patient has been taking a drug that has a protein-binding ...

[Alygatorr01285]

A patient has been taking a drug that has a protein-binding effect of 75. The provider adds a new medication that has a protein-binding effect of 90. The nurse will expect
 
  a. decreased drug effects of the first drug.
  b. decreased therapeutic range of the first drug.
  c. increased drug effects of the first drug.
  d. increased therapeutic range of the first drug.

Question 2

The nurse is administering two drugs to a patient and learns that both drugs are highly protein-bound. The nurse may expect
 
  a. decreased bioavailability of both drugs.
  b. decreased drug effects.
  c. decreased drug interactions.
  d. increased risk of adverse effects.

[vickybb89]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Adding another highly protein-bound drug will displace the first drug from protein-binding sites and release more free drug increasing the drug's effects. This does not alter the therapeutic range, which is the serum level between drug effectiveness and toxicity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Two drugs that are highly protein-bound will compete for protein-binding sites, leaving more free drug in circulation and an increased risk of adverse effects as well as increased bioavailability, increased drug effects, and increased drug interactions.

[Alygatorr01285]

Excellent

[ryhom]

TYSM