Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

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Sustained-release medication is defined as which of the following?

Drug released immediately
Drug released over a long period
Drug released over a brief period
Drug released for 2-3 weeks

The correct answer is: Drug released over a long period

Sustained-release medication is specifically designed to release a drug into the bloodstream gradually over an extended period. This controlled release helps maintain stable drug levels in the body, minimizing fluctuations that can lead to side effects or reduced efficacy. By allowing the drug to be absorbed more slowly, sustained-release formulations can reduce the frequency of dosing, enhance patient adherence to prescribed regimens, and improve therapeutic outcomes. This is particularly beneficial for medications that need to maintain consistent levels for optimal effectiveness, such as those used in chronic conditions. In contrast, immediate-release drugs are designed to dissolve quickly and enter the bloodstream right away, which can result in rapid peaks and troughs in drug concentration. Briefly released medications would also not provide the prolonged effect that sustained-release formulations are intended to provide. Lastly, defining release over a time frame like 2-3 weeks does not align with the standard definitions of sustained-release products, which typically refer to extended periods beyond that brief duration.