Which finding would most accurately indicate that a therapeutic range for a medication had been reached?
1. No serious adverse effects are experienced following administration.
2. The indication for administration was achieved without serious side effects.
3. A pre-specified amount (in milligrams) was administered.
4. The medication was effective, but the patient experienced a lethal dysrhythmia.
2
Rationale 1: Lack of serious adverse effects does not indication therapeutic range has been reached.
Rationale 2: The therapeutic range of a drug is between the minimum effective concentration and the toxic concentration.
Rationale 3: Standard doses of medications are determined by expected therapeutic range, not vice versa.
Rationale 4: Effective medication is desired, but not at the expense of a lethal dysrhythmia.
Global Rationale: The therapeutic range of a drug is between the minimum effective concentration and the toxic concentration. Lack of serious adverse effects does not indicate therapeutic range has been reached. Standard doses of medications are determined by expected therapeutic range, not vice versa. Effective medication is desired, but not at the expense of a lethal dysrhythmia.
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