The physician has ordered for the client to receive a trough blood level to evaluate the therapeutic effect of an antibiotic. The nurse plans to schedule the blood to be drawn at which of the following times?
1. A few minutes before the next scheduled dose of medication
2. 1–2 hours after the oral administration of the medication
3. 30 minutes after the IV administration
4. During the infusion of the antibiotic
1. A few minutes before the next scheduled dose of medication
Rationale:
Antibiotic peak and trough levels monitor therapeutic blood levels of the prescribed medication. The therapeutic range—that is, the minimum and maximum blood levels at which the drug is effective—is known for a given drug. By measuring blood levels at the predicted peak (1–2 hours after oral administration, 1 hour after intramuscular administration, and 30 minutes after IV administration) and trough, usually a few minutes before the next scheduled dose, it is also possible to determine whether the drug is reaching a toxic or harmful level during therapy, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
You might also like to view...
Teaching is an integral intervention implied by all nursing diagnoses. In which of the following nursing diagnoses would education of the patient be the highest priority?
A) Risk for impaired mobility related to joint pain B) Incontinence related to surgical repair of bladder C) Altered range of movement related to contractures D) Risk for ineffective management of therapeutic regimen
A mother has concerns about the immunization scheduled for this clinic visit having adverse effects on her child. The nurse's best response to the mother would be:
1. "The doctor wants the child to have the shot." 2. "We will give the injection at the next visit." 3. "More complications are caused by the disease than the immunization." 4. "Side effects are expected, and there is nothing to worry about."
Several nursing students have been discussing the benefits of joining a study group
They realize the importance of applying nursing knowledge to the clinical area, and figure that together, they might be more effective in retaining this information than if they continued in their individual settings. Which stage of behavior change are they exemplifying? A) Action stage B) Termination stage C) Contemplation stage D) Preparation stage
Where does nursing research gain its significance?
A) Use in practice setting B) The context in which it is placed C) Application of research to various models D) Integration theory in education