Question

A nurse is responsible for changing the dressing on a patient's infected wound, a procedure that has caused the patient significant pain in the past. Which of the nurse's actions best demonstrates an understanding of the pharmacokinetics of the pain medication that the nurse will administer?

a. Considering the patient's preferences for analgesia
b. Administering the lowest possible dose of the medication in order to achieve a therapeutic effect
c. Knowing the onset of the medication when deciding when to administer it
d. Giving small, repeated doses of the medication rather than one larger dose.

Answer 1

The nurse's action that best demonstrates an understanding of the pharmacokinetics of the pain medication is knowing the onset of the medication when deciding when to administer it.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's action that best demonstrates an understanding of the pharmacokinetics of the pain medication is c. Knowing the onset of the medication when deciding when to administer it.

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in the body. Knowing the onset of the medication helps the nurse determine the time it takes for the drug to start working and when to administer it to provide maximum pain relief.

For example, some pain medications have a faster onset and peak quickly, while others have a slower onset and might take longer to reach their peak concentration in the body. Understanding these characteristics of the medication allows the nurse to time the administration appropriately for the patient's comfort.