Pharmacology for Nurses, 6e (Adams) Principles of Drug Administration

1) A client looks up the drug they are taking in a drug guide. The client asks a nurse why the healthcare provider 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 healthcare providers 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 healthcare provider explain it to you." - 2 Explanation: 1. The lethal dose measure is used by healthcare providers prescribing drugs. 2. 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. 3. Telling a client that the drug could be lethal, but that they will be observed for side effects, will frighten the client and most likely result in the refusal of the medication. 4. Telling a client not to worry is nontherapeutic; this is a condescending response. Page Ref: 50 Cognitive Level: Applying Client Need/Sub: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Standards: QSEN Competencies: III.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific methods and processes. | AACN Essential Competencies: II.7 Promote factors that create a culture of safety and caring. | NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science: Relationships between knowledge/science and quality and safe patient care. | Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Nursing Process: Implementation Learning Outcome: 5-4 Compare and contrast median lethal dose (LD50) and median toxicity dose (TD50). MNL Learning Outcome: 5.1 Relate the level of a drug's dosing to its safety. 1) A nurse is conducting medication education for patients with hypertension. The focus of the education is on enhancing the absorption of their medications. The nurse determines that learning has occurred when the patients make which statement? 1. "We can safely take the drug for at least 6 months beyond the expiration date." 2. "We don't need to worry about storage of the drug, it won't lose potency.