Question

The nurse is aware that excessive drug dosages, impaired metabolism, or inadequate excretion may result in which drug effect?

a. Tolerance
b. Cumulative effect
c. Incompatibility
d. Antagonistic effect

Answer 1

Excessive drug dosages, impaired metabolism, or poor excretion can result in the cumulative effect, which is the accumulation of drugs in the body leading to potential toxicity, unlike tolerance, which requires increasing doses for the same effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is aware that excessive drug dosages, impaired metabolism, or inadequate excretion may result in the cumulative effect. When drugs accumulate in the body due to high dosages or the body’s inability to metabolize or excrete the drug properly, this can lead to increased effects and potential toxicity. Tolerance, in contrast, is a different phenomenon where a person requires more and more of a drug to achieve the same effects; it often occurs in individuals with physiological dependence. Cumulative effect is a direct consequence of drug accumulation within the body presenting a risk of overdose and adverse events.

In cases of physiological dependence withdrawal symptoms can occur upon cessation of drug use, while psychological dependence refers to the craving for a drug. An antagonistic effect would occur when one drug reduces the effect of another; however regarding excessive drug dosages and inadequate drug processing by the body the cumulative effect is the primary concern.