Question

An infant is receiving a medication that has a narrow therapeutic range. The nurse reviews the medication information and learns that the drug is excreted by the kidneys. When giving the medication, the nurse will assess the infant for __________.

1) decreased effectiveness of the drug.
2) shorter period of the drug's effects.
3) signs of drug toxicity.
4) unusual CNS effects.

Answer 1

The nurse will assess an infant receiving a medication with a narrow therapeutic range, which is excreted by the kidneys, for signs of drug toxicity due to the potential risk of drug accumulation and the infant's possibly immature renal function.

Step-by-step explanation:

When giving a medication with a narrow therapeutic range that is excreted by the kidneys to an infant, the nurse will assess the infant for signs of drug toxicity. Medications with a narrow therapeutic range have a close margin between therapeutic and toxic doses, and in infants, whose kidney function may not be fully developed, there is an increased risk of drug accumulation leading to toxicity.

A explanation includes monitoring the infant for any adverse effects, checking the drug levels if possible through blood tests, and observing for changes in urine output, which could signify altered drug excretion due to immature renal function.

Signs of drug toxicity

• Increased or decreased heart rate
• Lethargy or irritability
• Changes in feeding patterns
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Altered breathing patterns