A patient who has received an oral medication for treatment of hives says, 'How long will it be before my skin clears and quits itching?' Which concepts should the nurse consider when formulating a response?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) The amount of time between administration and the drug taking effect is known as onset of action. This is the most appropriate response because the patient is inquiring about how long it will take for the medication to start working, which directly relates to the concept of onset of action. Option B) Peak plasma levels rarely occur with oral medications is incorrect because peak plasma levels do occur with oral medications, and this concept is not relevant to the patient's question about symptom relief. Option C) Duration of action is the amount of time a drug is effective is incorrect as the patient is not asking about how long the drug will remain effective but rather how long it will take for the itching to stop. Option D) Peak plasma level is dependent on the drug’s plasma half-life (t1/2) is incorrect because it focuses on the peak plasma level, which is not what the patient is inquiring about. Educationally, understanding the concept of onset of action is crucial for nurses to effectively communicate with patients about when they can expect a medication to start working. This knowledge helps in managing patient expectations and providing accurate information about treatment outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) the safety of the medication must be determined prior to clinical trials. This is because determining the median lethal dose of drugs in laboratory preclinical trials is crucial to ensuring the safety of the medication before advancing to human clinical trials. Understanding the potential toxicity and lethal dose of a drug helps researchers and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about dosing regimens and potential adverse effects. Option A) is incorrect because while it may be unethical to determine lethal doses in human subjects, it is still essential to establish these values in preclinical studies to safeguard human participants during clinical trials. Option C) is incorrect as obtaining sufficient participants for clinical trials is related to efficacy and safety assessments, not specifically to determining lethal doses. Option D) is incorrect because clinical trials evaluate both the effectiveness and safety of a drug, but determining the lethal dose typically occurs in preclinical stages. In an educational context, understanding safety pharmacology principles is vital for healthcare professionals to ensure safe medication administration across the lifespan. Preclinical studies play a crucial role in identifying potential risks and establishing safe dosage ranges, ultimately contributing to the protection and well-being of patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the preferred action by the nurse is option C) Offer the child a choice of beverage with which to take the medication. This choice is the most appropriate because it involves providing the child with a sense of autonomy and control over their healthcare decision-making process. By offering a choice of beverage, the nurse is promoting a positive therapeutic relationship with the child and increasing the likelihood of medication compliance. Option A is incorrect because while it is important to educate the child about the medication, it should not be the initial action before ensuring the child's comfort and cooperation. Option B is inappropriate as it uses a punitive approach, which is not conducive to building trust with the child or promoting a positive medication-taking experience. Option D, offering to play with the child, is not directly related to medication administration and may not address the child's potential concerns or fears about taking the medication. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the developmental considerations when administering medications to children. Providing choices, maintaining a child-friendly approach, and promoting autonomy can help establish a positive experience around medication administration, ultimately improving compliance and outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) The patient is experiencing adverse reactions as a result of polypharmacy. Polypharmacy refers to the simultaneous use of multiple medications by a patient, which can lead to drug-drug interactions and adverse effects. In this case, the new medications may be interacting with the patient's existing medications, resulting in hypotension and bradycardia. Option A is incorrect because allergic reactions typically present with different symptoms such as rash, itching, or anaphylaxis, rather than hypotension and bradycardia. Option C is incorrect as there is no evidence provided that the patient is non-compliant with their medications. Option D is incorrect because adverse effects related to polypharmacy may persist and require medical intervention. Educationally, understanding the concept of polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and optimize medication therapy. It highlights the importance of conducting thorough medication reviews, monitoring for drug interactions, and involving patients in shared decision-making regarding their treatment plans.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse to the patient's query is Option A) "You will be taking medications known as sedative-hypnotics." This response is correct because sedative-hypnotics are a class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They work by slowing down the activity of the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep. Examples of sedative-hypnotics include benzodiazepines like diazepam and non-benzodiazepines like zolpidem. Option B) "You will be taking medications known as antidepressants" is incorrect in this context because antidepressants are primarily used to treat depression, although some types may also help with anxiety disorders. They are not the first-line treatment for anxiety and insomnia. Option C) "You will be taking a medication known as paraldehyde" is incorrect as paraldehyde is an older medication primarily used for severe cases of alcohol withdrawal or seizures, not for anxiety and insomnia. Option D) "You will be taking medications known as barbiturates" is incorrect because barbiturates are an older class of sedative-hypnotic drugs that are now less commonly prescribed due to their higher potential for abuse and overdose compared to newer medications like benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to be able to accurately educate patients about their medications to ensure proper understanding, adherence, and safety. Providing clear explanations about the intended effects, potential side effects, and important considerations regarding medication use can empower patients to take an active role in their own healthcare management.