Question

The nurse is explaining to the client what bioavailability is. what statement is true of bioavailability?

A. "Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a drug that reaches the bloodstream unchanged after administration."
B. "It is the time it takes for a drug to produce its therapeutic effect after administration."
C. "Bioavailability is the extent to which a drug is absorbed and reaches the systemic circulation."
D. "It represents the duration of time a drug maintains its therapeutic concentration in the body."

Answer 1

Bioavailability is the percentage of a drug that is absorbed into the bloodstream unchanged after administration. It affects clinical effectiveness and is influenced by factors such as administration route and metabolism. Therefore, the correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement about bioavailability is: "Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a drug that reaches the bloodstream unchanged after administration." This definition accurately expresses that bioavailability is the extent to which a drug is absorbed and reaches the systemic circulation. It is an important pharmacokinetic property because it influences the drug's clinical effectiveness. Bioavailability can be affected by factors such as the drug's form, the route of administration, metabolism, and the drug's solubility. For example, intravenous administration often achieves higher plasma levels more quickly compared to oral or intramuscular routes. Moreover, properties like drug half-life and the rate of metabolism play significant roles in determining the appropriate dosage and frequency of administration to maintain therapeutic levels without causing toxicity.