A client with hypertension is prescribed a potent antihypertensive without results. The client is concerned when the health care provider orders a new drug. Which explanation by the nurse is the most appropriate?
1. "The drug you took is very potent and a higher dose is needed."
2. "The new drug has greater efficacy, so it will help reduce your blood pressure."
3. "The prescriber must have made an error in the orders."
4. "Efficacy in treating your hypertension is more important than potency."
5. "You are correct. I think the prescriber meant to order both drugs."
Correct Answer: 2,4
Rationale 1: A higher dose of a potent drug may cause more serious adverse effects without greater efficacy.
Rationale 2: Efficacy is more important than potency in providing blood pressure control.
Rationale 3: This is not an appropriate response by the nurse.
Rationale 4: Efficacy is more important than potency in pharmacologic treatment.
Rationale 5: This is not an appropriate response, and the nurse cannot assume the order was supposed to be for two drugs.
Global Rationale: Efficacy is more important than potency in providing blood pressure control. Efficacy is more important than potency in pharmacologic treatment. A higher dose of a potent drug may cause more serious adverse effects without greater efficacy. Telling the client that the prescriber made an error is not an appropriate response by the nurse. The nurse cannot assume the order was supposed to be for two drugs.
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