A client with bipolar disorder is receiving divalproex sodium as part of the treatment plan. When monitoring the client's blood concentration of this drug, which level would alert the nurse to the need to change the dosage?
A) 30 ng/mL
B) 55 ng/mL
C) 75 ng/mL
D) 115 ng/mL
Ans: A
Optimal blood concentrations seem to be in the range of 50 to 150 ng/mL. Thus anything outside this range would indicate the need for a change in drug dosage.
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