Final answer:
Registered nurses should understand the concepts of onset, peak, and duration in pharmacokinetics, especially when administering thyroid replacement medications to maintain appropriate hormone levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering medications, especially thyroid replacement medications, registered nurses (RNs) must be aware of three key pharmacokinetic phases: onset, peak, and duration. The onset of a medication refers to the time it takes for the drug to start having its effect after administration. The peak is the point at which the drug reaches its maximum effect in the body.
The duration indicates the length of time the drug’s effects last. For thyroid replacement therapy, understanding these concepts is crucial to ensure that the patient maintains appropriate hormone levels and avoids symptoms of under- or over-replacement.