The pregnant patient tells the nurse that her prescribed medication is not as effective as it was before her pregnancy. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "This is because your blood volume has increased."
2. "Tell me how you have been taking your medication."
3. "This is because your baby is receiving part of the medication."
4. "Maybe the medication has expired; check the label."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Increased blood volume results in hemodilution and increased excretion of the medication.
Rationale 2: Asking the patient how she is taking the medication is a good idea, but in this case, increased blood volume is responsible for decreased drug effect.
Rationale 3: The medication effectiveness is not reduced because of the baby.
Rationale 4: The medication has most likely not expired; most patients have it refilled monthly.
Global Rationale: Increased blood volume results in hemodilution and increased excretion of the medication. The medication effectiveness is not reduced because of the baby. Asking the patient how she is taking the medication is a good idea, but in this case, increased blood volume is responsible for decreased drug effect. The medication has most likely not expired; most patients have it refilled monthly.