ATI RN
2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Basis for pharmacotherapeutics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The basis for pharmacotherapeutics lies in the selective action of drugs with regard to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Pharmacotherapeutics involves the use of drugs to manage diseases and improve health outcomes. Drugs are carefully selected based on their mechanism of action, efficacy, safety profile, and suitability for a specific condition. The goal is to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential adverse effects. By understanding the selective action of drugs in targeting specific pathways or processes in the body, healthcare providers can customize treatment regimens to individual patients and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient about taking aspirin. Which are important points to include? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with alcohol or during invasive procedures like dental work or surgery. Patients should avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, informing healthcare providers about aspirin use is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding during procedures. Taking aspirin on an empty stomach is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of gastric irritation.
Therefore, the correct teaching points are to avoid alcohol, inform the dentist, and inform the surgeon about aspirin use.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a young patient with a closed head injury who has an intracranial pressure of 35 (normal <20) and serum osmolality of 330 mOsm/kg. The nurse would anticipate which action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with elevated serum osmolality, as it can exacerbate hyperosmolality and lead to renal failure or other complications. In this case, the patient's serum osmolality is already high (330 mOsm/kg), so mannitol should be withheld, and other measures to reduce ICP, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining proper oxygenation, and avoiding hypercapnia, should be prioritized. Sodium nitroprusside (
C) is used for hypertension, not ICP, and taking no action (
D) is inappropriate given the elevated ICP.
Question 4 of 5
A contraindication for topical corticosteroid usage in a male patient with atopic dermatitis (eczema) is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Topical corticosteroids can exacerbate viral infections, such as herpes simplex, by suppressing the immune response. They are contraindicated in the presence of viral infections to prevent worsening of the condition. Bacterial, parasitic, and spirochete infections are not absolute contraindications, although caution is advised.
Question 5 of 5
The patient is discharged home and returns to the emergency department 4 days later. The patient is admitted to the ICU with acute decompensated HF with dyspnea at rest. The nurse anticipates administration of which medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient presents with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with dyspnea at rest, indicating severe symptoms. Nesiritide, a recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide, is commonly used in the management of acute decompensated HF to improve symptoms of dyspnea and congestion. It acts as a vasodilator and promotes natriuresis and diuresis, helping to alleviate the symptoms of heart failure exacerbation. While other medications like Carvedilol (Coreg) and Lisinopril (Prinivil) are commonly used in chronic HF management, in this acute scenario with severe symptoms, Nesiritide would be the appropriate medication to anticipate for administration in the ICU setting. Atropine is not indicated for acute decompensated heart failure.