Testing for Levels Flashcards
What is drug “toxicology”?
The scientific study of poisons, their detection, their effects, and methods of treatments for conditions they produce.
Why are therapeutic levels tested?
The physician often orders therapeutic drug level testing to ensure a patient is not being under- or overdosed.
What is a therapeutic drug level?
This refers to the appropriate level of a medication in the blood, enough to produce the desired effect but not enough to cause harm (toxicity).
When are the pre- and post-dose levels to be drawn for digoxin/Lanoxin?
1/2hr before or 6hrs after the dose has been administered. Unless specified, process digoxen level for PRE-dose ONLY.
When are the pre- levels to be drawn for Dilantin/phenytoin and Theophylline/Theo-Dur?
1/2hr prior to the NEXT dose.
What is an “Antibiotic Assay”?
A test to determine how sensitive a bacterial or fungal strain is to a range of antibiotics by measuring the microbe’s ability to grow in a standard dilution of each chemical.
When are the pre-dose levels to be drawn for an antibiotic ?
30min before administration or infusion.
When are the post-dose levels to be drawn for an antibiotic taken po or IM?
1hr after the antibiotic has been administered.
When are the post-dose levels to be drawn for an antibiotic taken via IV?
1hr after the antibiotic has been administered (30min after infusion is complete)
IV meds usually take approx 30min to infuse, and then the draw is taken 30min after infusion is complete. When a physician orders post-dose levels for an IV med, we write the time as “RN to Advise” both on the Kardex and the requisition form.
When is the post-dose level to be drawn for Vancomycin via IV?
3.5hrs after the Vancomycin has been administered (3hrs after infusion is complete)
Vancomycin IV usually takes approx 30min to infuse, and then the draw is taken 3hrs after infusion is complete. When a physician orders post-dose levels for a Vancomycin IV med, we write the time as “RN to Advise” both on the Kardex and the requisition form.
How do we symbolize a post-dose level that has been administered via IV?
K, RMOx2 (if pre and post were done), DEPT AWARE (for IV only)
