Western Governors University (WGU) NURS5204 D027 Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations Practice Exam

Measuring drug concentrations in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is primarily aimed at optimizing dosage regimens for both efficacy and safety. This process involves carefully assessing the levels of medication in a patient's bloodstream to ensure that they are within the therapeutic range—where the drug is effective without causing harmful side effects.

When drug levels are monitored, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about dosage adjustments based on individual patient responses. This is particularly important for medications with narrow therapeutic windows, where slight deviations in drug concentration can lead to reduced effectiveness or increased toxicity. By tailoring the dosage to the specific needs and responses of the patient, TDM helps to ensure that the medication achieves its desired therapeutic effect while minimizing risks, thereby enhancing overall patient care.