Question

The goals of drug therapy are to maximize beneficial effects and minimize adverse effects. To help meet these goals, general guidelines include all of the following EXCEPT:

1) expected benefits should outweigh potential adverse effects.

2) drug therapy should be individualized.

3) drug effects on quality of life should be considered in designing a drug therapy regimen.

4) any adverse reaction is cause to discontinue a therapy regimen.

Answer 1

While drug therapy should aim to maximize benefits and minimize harm, not all adverse reactions justify discontinuing treatment. Each scenario should be assessed individually, considering the severity of adverse reactions and the therapeutic benefits of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal of drug therapy is indeed to maximize beneficial effects and minimize adverse effects. To help attain these goals, several guidelines must be followed. Firstly, expected benefits should outweigh potential adverse effects, meaning that the drug should provide more health benefits than risks. Secondly, drug therapy should be individualized, taking into account factors such as age, weight, genetic polymorphisms, and co-morbid diseases.

Thirdly the impact of drug therapy on a patient's quality of life should always be considered. However the statement that any adverse reaction is cause to discontinue a therapy regimen is not included in these general guidelines, as not all adverse reactions are significant enough to warrant the cessation of treatment. Reactions vary in severity and importance and each case requires careful assessment before deciding to discontinue a drug regimen. Often the therapeutic benefits of continuing treatment may outweigh the side effects which can sometimes be managed without stopping the medication.