A patient will begin taking two drugs that are both ...

[imanialler]

A patient will begin taking two drugs that are both protein-bound. The primary care NP should:
 
  a. prescribe increased doses of both drugs.
  b. monitor drug levels, actions, and side effects.
  c. teach the patient to increase intake of protein.
  d. stagger the doses of drugs to be given 1 hour apart.

Question 2

A patient takes an oral medication that causes gastrointestinal upset. The patient asks the primary care NP why the drug information insert cautions against using antacids while taking the drug. The NP should explain that the antacid may:
 
  a. alter drug absorption.
  b. alter drug distribution.
  c. lead to drug toxicity.
  d. increase stomach upset.

[Brummell1998]

Answer to Question 1

B
Protein-bound drugs bind to albumin, and serum albumin levels may affect how drugs are distributed. The provider should monitor drug levels, actions, and side effects and change dosing accordingly. Increasing the dose of both drugs is not recommended unless monitoring indicates. Increasing dietary protein does not affect this. Staggering the drugs will not affect this.

Answer to Question 2

A
Changing the pH of the gastric mucosa can alter the absorption of the drug. Drug distribution is not affected. It may indirectly cause drug toxicity if a significant amount more of the drug is absorbed. It would decrease stomach upset.

[imanialler]

Gracias!

[Joy Chen]

Excellent