ANSWERS

TDM stands for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a test that determines the concentration of certain medications in your blood. It is done to ensure that the dosage of medication you are taking is both safe and effective.

Most medications can be dosed correctly without the need for additional testing. However, determining a dose that provides enough medicine to treat your condition without causing dangerous side effects can be difficult for some medications. TDM assists your provider in determining whether you are taking the correct dose of your medication.

Other names: blood test for medicine levels, therapeutic drug levels

What is its purpose?
TDM determines the best dosages for people taking certain types of difficult-to-dose medications. Some of the most common medications that should be monitored are listed below.

Why do I require TDM?
When you first begin taking a medication, you may require testing. This assists your provider in determining the most effective dose for you. Once that dose has been determined, you may be tested regularly to ensure that the medication is still effective without being harmful. If you have symptoms of a serious side effect, you may also require testing. Side effects differ depending on the medication. Your doctor will advise you on which symptoms to look out for.

What occurs during TDM?
A small needle will be used by a healthcare professional to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes under five minutes.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the test?
Depending on the medication, you may need to schedule your test before or after you take your regular dose.

Is there any danger in TDM?
Having a blood test poses very little risk. You may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly.

What do the findings imply?
Your results will show if the medicine levels in your blood are within a medically useful but not dangerous range. This is referred to as the therapeutic range. The range varies according to the type of medicine and your health requirements. If your results fall outside this range, your doctor may need to adjust your medication. If your medication dosage changes, you may be subjected to additional tests until your levels fall within the therapeutic range.

QUESTION

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

After studying Module 4: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:

• Therapeutic drug monitoring is a frequent practice in health care. How does age affect drug absorption, metabolization and excretion?
• The use of salt substitutes can cause hyperkalemia in older adults when use in conjunction with what types of drugs?
• Describe how you would prevent and evaluate risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults?

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

 

Read and watch the lecture resources & materials below early in the week to help you respond to the discussion questions and to complete your assignment(s).