Question

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving theophylline (Theo-24). The nurse monitors the serum theophylline level and concludes that the medication dosage may need to be increased if which value is noted?

1) 5 mg/mL
2) 10 mg/mL
3) 15 mg/mL
4) 20 mg/mL

Answer 1

The nurse should consider increasing the theophylline dosage for a COPD patient if the serum theophylline level is noted at 5 mg/mL, which is below the therapeutic range of 10-20 mg/mL.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving theophylline (Theo-24). The nurse would conclude that the medication dosage may need to be increased if a serum theophylline level of 5 mg/mL is noted. For the management of COPD, therapeutic serum theophylline levels usually range between 10-20 mg/mL. A level of 5 mg/mL is below the therapeutic range, indicating the dosage may be too low to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

COPD patients have difficulty exhaling carbon dioxide, leading to its accumulation in the blood, a condition known as hypercapnia. Theophylline helps by relaxing the muscles in the lungs, reducing airway obstruction, and improving breathing. Keeping theophylline levels within the therapeutic range is crucial for effective management of COPD symptoms and preventing toxic side effects.