Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 11

---

An unexpected effect of the drug is known as a(n):

  

     A. Side effect

     B. Adverse effect

     C. Toxic reaction

     D. Allergic reaction

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Adverse effect

---

An adverse reaction is a harmful and unexpected reaction. An unexpected medical problem that happens during treatment with a drug or other therapy. Adverse effects may be mild, moderate, or severe, and may be caused by something other than the drug or therapy being given. C and D are incorrect because a toxic reaction is a type of adverse reaction.

---

Option A: A side effect is expected and predictable. A side effect is usually regarded as an undesirable secondary effect which occurs in addition to the desired therapeutic effect of a drug or medication. Side effects may vary for each individual depending on the person’s disease state, age, weight, gender, ethnicity, and general health.

Option C: Drug toxicity can occur as a result of the over-ingestion of a medication—having too much of a drug in a person’s system at once. This can happen if the dose taken exceeds the prescribed dose, either intentionally or accidentally. With certain medications, drug toxicity can also occur as an adverse drug reaction (ADR).

Option D: An allergic reaction occurs when cells in the immune system interpret a foreign substance or allergen as harmful. The immune system overreacts to these allergens and produces histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms, such as inflammation, sneezing, and coughing.

---