Pharmacology week 1 application questions

What matters clinically if a drug is protein-bound?

It is inactive while bound; only free drug produces effect.

What happens if albumin is low?

More free drug → increased side effects.

What happens if first-pass metabolism occurs?

Drug is inactivated before circulation → higher oral dose may be needed.

What does low bioavailability mean?

Less drug reaches circulation.

What should a nurse consider if a patient takes grapefruit with medication?

Possible severe drug interaction.

What occurs if two drugs are additive?

Enhanced therapeutic effect at lower doses.

What risk increases if two drugs are synergistic?

Potentiation and possibly stronger-than-expected effects.

What happens if drugs are antagonistic?

Reduced therapeutic effectiveness.

What must be monitored in a patient with kidney impairment?

Creatinine, creatinine clearance, GFR.

What does high creatinine suggest?

Poor kidney function → drug accumulation risk.

What does high AST/ALT indicate?

Liver or cellular injury → metabolism impairment.

What can a lipid-soluble free drug cross?

Cell membranes and blood brain barrier.

What risk increases if peak level is too high?

Toxicity.

What risk increases if trough is too low?

Subtherapeutic effect or less than ideal

What is the priority for a drug with a low therapeutic index?

Close monitoring; narrow safety margin.

What can happen if an IV drug extravasates?

Severe tissue damage.

What dosing principle applies to elderly patients?

Start low and go slow.

What happens if metabolism decreases with age?

Drug stays longer → toxicity risk.

What is occurring if a patient shows an unexpected strong response to a normal dose?

Hypersusceptibility.

What is the priority if overdose occurs?

Early identification and intervention.

What should happen if a nurse does not know what a medication is for?

Do not administer.

What must a nurse assess when giving PRN medication?

Medical need and reason.

What must be determined when evaluating a drug?

Did it work? Was regimen followed? Is treatment satisfactory?

What risk increases if patient education is missing?

Noncompliance.

What right applies if a patient refuses medication?

Right to refuse care.

What happens at the receptor if a drug is an agonist?

Activation.

What happens at the receptor if a drug is an antagonist?

Blocked activation.

What population is affected if a drug is excreted through breast milk?

Infants.

What type of drug is commonly excreted via lungs?

Anesthesia or alcohol.