Which statement correctly describes a contraindication to a drug?

Which statement correctly describes a contraindication to a drug?

• A. The patient requests it
• B. It is not effective for this condition
• C. It may cause harm or have no positive effect
• D. The cost is prohibitive

Answer: (C)

A contraindication means a drug should not be given because using it could cause harm or provide no benefit to the patient. In practice, if giving the medication could worsen a condition (for example, lowering blood pressure too much in a hypotensive patient) or if the patient has a condition or factor that makes the drug unsafe (such as an allergy or a dangerous interaction with another medicine), it’s contraindicated. That is why the statement stating it may cause harm or have no positive effect is the correct description. The other ideas aren’t about safety in this sense. A patient requesting the drug speaks to patient preference or autonomy, not safety. If a drug isn’t effective for a condition, it may not be the right treatment, but that doesn’t automatically make it dangerous. Cost being prohibitive affects access, not the medical appropriateness of giving the drug.

A contraindication means a drug should not be given because using it could cause harm or provide no benefit to the patient. In practice, if giving the medication could worsen a condition (for example, lowering blood pressure too much in a hypotensive patient) or if the patient has a condition or factor that makes the drug unsafe (such as an allergy or a dangerous interaction with another medicine), it’s contraindicated. That is why the statement stating it may cause harm or have no positive effect is the correct description.

The other ideas aren’t about safety in this sense. A patient requesting the drug speaks to patient preference or autonomy, not safety. If a drug isn’t effective for a condition, it may not be the right treatment, but that doesn’t automatically make it dangerous. Cost being prohibitive affects access, not the medical appropriateness of giving the drug.