If a client has kidney and/or liver disease, what is likely to happen to medication levels in the blood?

Study for the Iowa Medication Aide Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In the context of clients with kidney and/or liver disease, the correct understanding regarding medication levels in the blood is that such conditions can impair the body's ability to metabolize and excrete medications effectively. Both the liver and kidneys play crucial roles in processing medications; the liver metabolizes drugs, while the kidneys are responsible for their excretion.

When these organs are not functioning optimally, medications may not be broken down and cleared from the body at the usual rate. This delay can lead to a buildup of the drug in the bloodstream, resulting in increased levels of the medication. Elevated medication levels can enhance the effects of the drug but also raise the risk of toxicity, making careful monitoring and potential dosage adjustments essential for patients with these health issues.

The other options do not accurately reflect the expected outcome in patients with compromised liver or kidney function. Levels being decreased, remaining unchanged, or fluctuating do not align with the typical pharmacokinetic changes observed in individuals with impaired organ function.

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