A patient admitted to the hospital tells the nurse she is very nervous about getting all her medications while she is in the hospital because her health care provider has her on a very "strict" schedule
Which principles describe how medication dosing schedules are determined?
1. The physical and biologic characteristics of a drug may determine dosing schedule.
2. Specific times may improve effectiveness and decrease risk of adverse effects.
3. Some drugs must be taken a certain time prior to an event or immediately after an event.
4. Dosing may be set for the convenience of patient and nurse.
5. Hospitals have routine dosing intervals so that all patients receive medications at the same time each day.
Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: The properties of a medication will determine how often it must be given to keep the drug at a therapeutic level in the body.
Rationale 2: Some medications are administered at certain times of day to improve effectiveness or decrease adverse effects.
Rationale 3: Some medications are taken to prevent or to cause an effect. For example, insulin should be given 30 minutes prior to eating to promote glucose usage.
Rationale 4: If the drug does not have a characteristic that relies on a certain event to take place, then the drug can be given at the convenience of patient and/or nurse.
Rationale 5: While most hospitals do have specific times of day (agency protocol) when medications are administered, this is not a principle that determines any specific dosing schedule.
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