What does the nurse anticipate about the medications ordered for a client with liver disease?
1. They will be in lower doses than normal.
2. They will be administered by the parenteral route.
3. They will need to be divided evenly throughout the day.
4. They will need to be given with an antacid.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Liver function is decreased in cirrhosis, leading to a reduction in drug metabolism. Drugs given at normal doses could lead to toxicity.
Rationale 2: Drugs can still be administered by the oral route; the parenteral route would be indicated if the drug is altered by gastric juices or needs to avoid the first pass effect.
Rationale 3: The doses do not need to be evenly divided throughout the day.
Rationale 4: The medications do not need to be given with antacids. Most medications should not be given with antacids, since this alters the pH, and could interfere with adequate absorption.
Global Rationale: Liver function is decreased in cirrhosis, leading to a reduction in drug metabolism. Drugs given at normal doses could lead to toxicity. Drugs can still be administered by the oral route; the parenteral route would be indicated if the drug is altered by gastric juices or needs to avoid the first pass effect. The doses do not need to be evenly divided throughout the day. The medications do not need to be given with antacids. Most medications should not be given with antacids, since this alters the pH, and could interfere with adequate absorption.
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