Question

Before obtaining a peak sample, it is important to get what information form the nurse?

a. The patient's medical record
b. Permission
c. Name of medication
d. Time of last dose

Answer 1

Before obtaining a peak sample, it is most important to know the time of the last dose of medication a patient received. This data helps healthcare providers collect the sample when the drug concentration in the bloodstream is at its highest, ensuring accurate test results for proper medication management.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before obtaining a peak sample, it is crucial to know the time of the last dose of medication the patient received. This is because the peak sample is meant to measure the highest concentration of a medication in a patient's bloodstream after administration, which typically occurs after a set period post-dosage. In the context of medical procedures, nursing staff and team members verify important information such as the procedure name, counts of instruments, specimen labeling, and patient-related details before conducting any medical tasks such as anesthetizing the patient or administering medication.

Knowing the time of the last dose allows healthcare providers to determine the optimum time to take the peak sample, ensuring the accuracy of the test results which is critical for proper medication management and patient care. Failure to take the peak sample at the correct time could lead to suboptimal treatment or unnecessary side effects for the patient.