Question

What nursing interventions are necessary when a patient takes a medication that must be monitored by peak and trough levels? Why?

Answer 1

The trough level is assessed to assure the threshold level of drug to for the commencement of the effect as well as the peak levels are measured to assertain the highest concentration of drug and then for the toxic levels of the medications.

All these studies involves the assessment of plasma drug concentration, serum drug concentrations as well as drug concentration in the urine. These nursing interventions are closely monitored by the the peak and trough levels in term of therapeutic window. And such interventions are highly desired in case of potent drugs like digoxin and phenytoin. As the slight deviation in the dose level of the drug may cause serious lethal effects.