NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

A nurse is caring for a client with low serum albumin who is prescribed aspirin, a highly protein-bound drug. What risk does this pose to the client?

1. The client's kidneys will excrete the drug at a faster rate

2. The client will be at risk of experiencing decreased effectiveness of the drug

3. The client will be at risk of experiencing toxic effects of the drug

4. The client's liver will metabolize the drug at a faster rate

The correct answer is: The client's kidneys will excrete the drug at a faster rate

The correct answer is A because aspirin is highly protein-bound, meaning that it binds to proteins in the body and can be stored in large amounts. In clients with low serum albumin, there is less protein available for binding, increasing the free drug levels in the body. This can lead to an increased risk of toxic effects of the drug. Option B is incorrect because decreased effectiveness of the drug is more commonly associated with high protein levels. Option C is incorrect because low protein levels can increase the risk of toxic effects, rather than decreased effects. Option D is incorrect because the liver does not metabolize aspirin, it is primarily metabolized by the kidneys.