Question

A client taking theophylline has a serum theophylline level of 15 mcg/mL. How does the nurse interpret this laboratory value?

1) Below therapeutic range
2) In excess of the therapeutic range
3) Near the top of the therapeutic range
4) In the middle of the therapeutic range

Answer 1

A serum theophylline level of 15 mcg/mL is below the therapeutic range.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would interpret a serum theophylline level of 15 mcg/mL as below the therapeutic range. Therapeutic range refers to the concentration of a drug in the blood that is considered effective and safe for treating a particular condition. In the case of theophylline, the therapeutic range is typically between 10-20 mcg/mL. Being below the therapeutic range indicates that the client may not be receiving enough of the drug to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.