Question

A registered nurse teaches a nursing student about the physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy and their impact on drug disposition and dosing. Which statement of the nursing student indicates the need for further education?

a. Drug elimination is increased.
b. The hepatic metabolism of a drug is decreased.
c. The intestinal transit time of a drug is increased.
d. The absorption of a drug through the gastrointestinal tract is increased.

Answer 1

Answer: B


Explanation: The hepatic metabolism of the drugs is increased in pregnancy, which increases the drug response. Elimination of the drugs is increased because the renal blood flow doubles in the third trimester. the intestinal transit time of drugs increases because the motility of the bowel decreases in pregnancy. This action also leads to an increase in the drug’s gastrointestinal absorption.