Question

A medication is administered to a client in her third trimester of pregnancy. Which statement regarding the medication administration is correct? A. The dose of medication should be increased for pregnant clients B. No medication should be administered to the pregnant client C. Medication dosages should not be altered for a pregnant client D. Medication dosage may need to be decreased for pregnant clients

Answer 1

The dosage of medication for a pregnant client, especially in the third trimester, may need to be decreased due to physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Decisions must be individualized based on the specific needs and circumstances of the pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding the administration of medication to a pregnant client, particularly in the third trimester, is D. Medication dosage may need to be decreased for pregnant clients. It is crucial to understand that pregnancy can alter drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, potentially necessitating dosage adjustments to ensure efficacy and safety for both the mother and the fetus. Decisions on medication dosages during pregnancy should always be made in conjunction with healthcare providers who specialize in prenatal care, taking into account the specific circumstances of the pregnancy and the medication involved.

Statement A is incorrect because an increase in dosage without medical indication can be dangerous. Statement B is overly broad; there are many cases where medications are indicated and safe during pregnancy. Statement C is also incorrect as it does not acknowledge the physiological changes in pregnancy that may affect drug metabolism and distribution.