A patient looks up the drug he is taking in a drug guide. The patient asks the nurse why the physician prescribed a medication that has a lethal dose measure. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "It just refers to what is done in research; it is not used by doctors prescribing drugs."
2. "It is a value determined during research, which helps to determine the safe dose to give."
3. "All that means is that the drug could be lethal, but I will watch you for side effects."
4. "Don't worry about that, I'll have your doctor explain it to you."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: The difference between a median effective dose and a median lethal dose is a measure of a drug's safety margin, which helps determine the safest dose to give. The lethal dose measure is used by doctors prescribing drugs. Telling a patient not to worry is non-therapeutic; this is a condescending response. Telling a patient that the drug could be lethal, but he will be observed for side effects, will frighten him and most likely result in refusal of the medication.
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