The physician ordered a loading dose of medication for the patient; it is to be followed by a lower dose. When the patient receives the lower dose, she says to the nurse, "I think my doctor made a mistake; my medication dose is too low."
What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "The initial dose shortened the half-life, so the medication would work more quickly."
2. "We always give medications this way; the doctor did not make a mistake."
3. "You had a larger dose initially so that the medication would work more quickly."
4. "Giving a larger dose initially will reduce the chance of side effects."
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Loading doses of medications are used to quickly induce a therapeutic response. Loading doses do not shorten the half-life of a drug. Not all medications are initiated with a loading dose. Loading doses do not reduce the occurrence of side effects.
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