A client looks up the drug he is taking in a drug guide and asks the nurse why the health care provider prescribed a medication that has a lethal dose measure. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
1. "Lethal dose just refers to what is done in research; it is not used by doctors to prescribe drugs."
2. "The lethal dose is a value determined in research that helps to establish the safe dose."
3. "All that means is that the drug could be lethal, but I will closely monitor you for side effects."
4. "Don't worry about that. I will have your doctor explain it to you."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The lethal dose is considered by health care providers when prescribing medications.
Rationale 2: The difference between the median effective dose and the median lethal dose is measured to determine the drug's safety margin as well as the safe effective dose.
Rationale 3: All drugs have the potential to be lethal, but telling this to the client might be frightening.
Rationale 4: Telling the client not to worry is condescending and does not answer his question.
Global Rationale: The difference between the median effective dose and the median lethal dose is measured to determine the drug's safety margin as well as the safe effective dose. The lethal dose is considered by health care providers when prescribing medications. All drugs have the potential to be lethal, but telling this to the client might be frightening. Telling the client not to worry is condescending and does not answer his question.
You might also like to view...
Otitis media is most common in:
a. Infants and children between 4 months and 4 years of age b. Teenagers c. Adults d. Older persons
A nurse provides dietary counseling for a patient with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. Which instruction should be included?
1. The patient may eat any foods desired and cover the glucose increase with sliding-scale, regular insulin. 2. Most of the calories should be in the form of protein to promote fat breakdown and preserve muscle mass. 3. Total caloric intake should not exceed 1800 calories in a 24-hour period. 4. The majority of calories should be in the form of carbohydrates and monounsaturated fats.
A pregnant woman married to an intravenous drug user had a negative HIV screening test just after missing her first menstrual period. What would indicate that the client needs to be retested for HIV?
1. Elevated blood pressure and ankle edema 2. Shortness of breath and frequent urination 3. Hemoglobin of 11 g/dL and a rapid weight gain 4. Unusual fatigue and recurring Candida vaginitis
The patient tells the nurse about a burning sensation in the epigastric area. How should the nurse describe this type of pain when documenting the findings?
a. Referred b. Radiating c. Deep or visceral d. Superficial or cutaneous