The nurse administers medications by various routes of delivery. The nurse recognizes which route of administration as requiring higher dosages of drugs to achieve a therapeutic effect?
1. Intravenous route
2. Oral route
3. Rectal route
4. Sublingual route
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Oral medications pass into the hepatoportal circulation and may be completely metabolized before reaching the general circulation. This so-called "first pass effect" may necessitate the use of higher dosages of oral medications to achieve a therapeutic effect. None of the other routes, sublingual, rectal, or intravenous, are affected by the "first-pass effect."
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old with severe burns. What is the nurse aware is the minimum adequate hourly urine output?
a. 5 mL/hr b. 10 mL/hr c. 15 mL/hr d. 20 mL/hr
A client presents with symptoms of anorexia and recent weight loss. Which nursing assessment finding is most important in determining the contributing factor to these symptoms?
A) History of obesity with a desire to lose weight B) Recent prescription for sertraline (Zoloft) C) Consistently works 60 hours/week D) Skips lunch when working
The nurse is planning to conduct a physical assessment of a patient's endocrine system. What should the nurse expect to perform on this patient?
1. palpation of the thyroid gland 2. palpation of the pancreas 3. percussion of the adrenal glands 4. palpation of the parathyroid glands
The CNS or NP functioning in the role of administrator:
1. Engages in consultation and problem solving with individuals, families, and the community 2. Is often responsible for and has direct authority and supervision over the staff and client care 3. Works with doctorally prepared nurses on research projects 4. Educates the public on current health care practices