Medications with a narrow or low therapeutic index and safety

Question 1

What is a medication with a narrow therapeutic index?

Answer 1

A medication where small changes in dose or blood concentration can lead to serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions.

Question 2

True or False: Medications with a low therapeutic index require more careful monitoring.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The therapeutic index is defined as the ratio of __________ to __________.

Answer 3

toxic dose to effective dose

Question 4

What is the significance of the therapeutic index in pharmacology?

Answer 4

It helps determine the safety margin of a drug, guiding dosing and monitoring.

Question 5

Name one common medication with a low therapeutic index.

Answer 5

Warfarin

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which of the following medications has a narrow therapeutic index? A) Acetaminophen B) Lithium C) Ibuprofen

Answer 6

B) Lithium

Question 7

What role do nurses play in the management of medications with a low therapeutic index?

Answer 7

Nurses must monitor patients closely for efficacy and toxicity, ensuring safe medication administration.

Question 8

True or False: Patients on medications with a narrow therapeutic index do not require regular blood tests.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is the primary concern with medications that have a low therapeutic index?

Answer 9

The risk of toxicity and adverse effects.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The __________ is a measure of a drug’s safety and is calculated using the effective dose and toxic dose.

Answer 10

therapeutic index

Question 11

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a medication with a narrow therapeutic index? A) Digoxin B) Warfarin C) Amoxicillin

Answer 11

C) Amoxicillin

Question 12

What factors can affect the therapeutic index of a drug?

Answer 12

Patient-specific factors such as age, weight, organ function, and drug interactions.

Question 13

True or False: Higher therapeutic index values indicate safer medications.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What is the importance of patient education regarding medications with a narrow therapeutic index?

Answer 14

Patients need to understand the importance of adherence to prescribed dosing and the need for monitoring.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: __________ is a common method for monitoring levels of medications with a narrow therapeutic index.

Answer 15

Therapeutic drug monitoring

Question 16

What is a potential consequence of not monitoring a patient on a narrow therapeutic index medication?

Answer 16

Increased risk of adverse effects or therapeutic failure.

Question 17

Multiple Choice: Which medication requires regular INR monitoring? A) Metoprolol B) Warfarin C) Simvastatin

Answer 17

B) Warfarin

Question 18

What should be included in the nursing assessment for patients on narrow therapeutic index medications?

Answer 18

Vital signs, lab values, and signs of toxicity or therapeutic failure.

Question 19

True or False: Drugs with a low therapeutic index can be safely adjusted without a physician’s order.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

Fill in the blank: __________ is often required to adjust doses of narrow therapeutic index medications.

Answer 20

Clinical judgment

Question 21

What is the goal of therapy for medications with a narrow therapeutic index?

Answer 21

To achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of toxicity.

Question 22

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a narrow therapeutic index drug? A) Levothyroxine B) Phenytoin C) Omeprazole

Answer 22

B) Phenytoin

Question 23

What should nurses monitor for in patients receiving digoxin?

Answer 23

Signs of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

Question 24

True or False: All patients on narrow therapeutic index medications will experience side effects.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The __________ of a drug can change based on individual patient factors.

Answer 25

therapeutic index

Question 26

What is the nursing responsibility when administering a medication with a narrow therapeutic index?

Answer 26

To verify the correct dosage and timing, and to monitor the patient closely.

Question 27

Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors does NOT affect the therapeutic index? A) Age B) Drug formulation C) Time of day

Answer 27

C) Time of day

Question 28

What is the definition of toxicity in the context of pharmacology?

Answer 28

Harmful effects resulting from excessive drug levels in the body.

Question 29

True or False: Adjusting the dose of a narrow therapeutic index medication can be done based on patient symptoms alone.

Answer 29

False

Question 30

Fill in the blank: __________ should be done before increasing the dose of any narrow therapeutic index medication.

Answer 30

Therapeutic drug monitoring

Question 31

What is the primary goal of therapeutic drug monitoring?

Answer 31

To maintain drug levels within the therapeutic range.

Question 32

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a sign of toxicity for lithium? A) Increased thirst B) Weight gain C) Bradycardia

Answer 32

A) Increased thirst

Question 33

What is one reason why warfarin has a low therapeutic index?

Answer 33

Its anticoagulant effects can easily lead to bleeding if not monitored properly.

Question 34

True or False: Patients on narrow therapeutic index medications may require lifestyle modifications.

Answer 34

True