Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What should a nurse emphasize to a patient regarding the administration of medications?

1. Timing, route, and dosage are irrelevant

2. Investigate any mild side effects

3. Understand pharmacokinetics for better outcomes

4. Never question the prescribed dose

The correct answer is: Understand pharmacokinetics for better outcomes

Emphasizing the understanding of pharmacokinetics for better outcomes is crucial in medication administration. Pharmacokinetics refers to how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes a drug. By understanding these processes, a patient can appreciate how medications work within their body, the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages, and significance of timing concerning their medications. This understanding also empowers patients to recognize how various factors such as age, weight, and existing health conditions can affect medication efficacy and safety. The other options do not reflect key patient education principles. Timing, route, and dosage are definitely relevant in medication administration, as they directly impact drug effectiveness and safety. Investigating mild side effects is important; however, it must also be coupled with understanding the entire medication process to be truly beneficial. Lastly, encouraging patients never to question the prescribed dose can lead to compliance without understanding, which is not conducive to safe medication practices.