A Patient Is Receiving Gentamicin Once Daily

question 14

Multiple Choice

A patient is receiving gentamicin once daily. A nursing student asks the nurse how the drug can be effective if given only once a day. The nurse explains drug dosing schedules for aminoglycosides. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

• A) "Gentamicin has a longer halflife than other aminoglycosides."
• B) "Large doses given once daily yield higher peak levels."
• C) "The postantibiotic effect lasts for several hours."
• D) "There is less risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity with large daily doses."

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Definitions:

Thorndike's Law of Effect

A psychological principle stating that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated.

Pleasant Events

Activities or experiences that induce a state of enjoyment, happiness, or satisfaction.

Unpleasant Events

Incidents or occurrences that cause discomfort, distress, or unhappiness.

Partial Reinforcement

One of several reinforcement schedules in which not every correct response is reinforced.