Which of the following best describes adverse effects related to drug use?

Adverse effects related to drug use encompass negative or unintended reactions that can occur when a medication is administered. The correct answer describes a scenario where drug toxicity leads to serious health issues, highlighting the importance of monitoring medication use and recognizing potential dangers.

Toxicity indicates that a drug is present in the body at harmful levels, which may result from an overdose or an adverse interaction with other substances. This can lead to severe reactions, organ damage, or even life-threatening situations—making it a critical aspect of medication safety and management.

The other options do not accurately represent adverse effects. Positive therapeutic effects refer to the desired outcomes of medication, while respiratory depression describes a specific potential adverse effect but does not capture the broader issue of drug toxicity comprehensively. Decreased metabolism may affect drug clearance from the body but does not, on its own, constitute an adverse effect. Thus, the answer concerning toxicity leading to serious health issues effectively encapsulates the overarching concern regarding adverse drug reactions.