The nurse is analyzing laboratory results for a patient who receives gentamicin (Garamycin) twice a day. The patient's peak gentamicin serum level is 3 mcg/mL. How would the nurse interpret this finding?
a. The level would be considered a safe peak level.
b. The level would be considered a toxic peak level.
c. The level would be considered a subtherapeutic peak level.
d. The level would be irrelevant, because a peak level is not indicated.
ANS: C
Peak levels should range from 4 to10 mcg/mL for traditional dosing and from 16 to 24 mcg/mL for once daily dosing. This value should be interpreted as subtherapeutic.
This value indicates subtherapeutic dosing and is not safe or toxic.
Peak levels are not irrelevant in medications that have significant risk for toxicity and have a narrow therapeutic index.
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