Question

a nurse is caring for a group of clients. which of the following clients should the nurse identify is at the greatest risk of developing medication toxicity? a client who has a respiratory infection a client who has rheumatoid arthritis a client who has impaired kidney function a client who has hyperthyroidism

Explanation:

To determine the client at greatest risk of medication toxicity, we analyze each option:

• A respiratory infection (first option) doesn't directly affect drug metabolism/excretion.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (second option) is an autoimmune condition, not a primary factor for drug toxicity.
• Impaired kidney function (third option): Kidneys are vital for excreting many medications. If kidneys don't function properly, drugs can accumulate in the body, leading to toxicity.
• Hyperthyroidism (fourth option) affects metabolism but not excretion as directly as impaired kidneys.

So, a client with impaired kidney function has the highest risk due to reduced drug elimination.

Answer:

C. A client who has impaired kidney function