Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your certification!

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What refers to a medication released for a prolonged duration?

Immediate-release
Timed-release
Sustained-release
Extended-release

The correct answer is: Sustained-release

The term that denotes a medication designed to be released over an extended period is known as sustained-release. This formulation allows for a gradual release of the active ingredient into the bloodstream, which can help maintain therapeutic drug levels and improve adherence by reducing the frequency of dosing. Sustained-release medications are formulated with specific polymers or coating techniques that control the release rate, which can lead to more stable plasma levels of the drug and minimize peaks and troughs that may occur with immediate-release formulations. While both timed-release and extended-release options conceptually relate to controlled dosing schedules, they often imply slightly different mechanisms or durations of release compared to sustained-release. Immediate-release formulations typically act quickly, delivering the medication shortly after administration, which is not suited for patients needing prolonged effects or symptom management throughout the day.