ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has a new prescription for Sucralfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include for a client prescribed Sucralfate is to take the medication on an empty stomach. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers, which is most effective when the stomach is empty. Taking it with food or other medications may decrease its effectiveness. Instructing the client to take Sucralfate on an empty stomach helps ensure optimal therapeutic benefits.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing high-sodium foods is not related to Sucralfate therapy, taking the medication with a full glass of milk is not recommended as it may decrease its effectiveness, and the presence of black and tarry stools is not an expected outcome of Sucralfate.
Question 2 of 5
The following are true for adrenaline EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is a catecholamine that exerts its effects through adrenergic receptors, which are G-protein-coupled, making its action via G-proteins a true statement. Alpha receptor stimulation typically inhibits adenylate cyclase, reducing cyclic AMP (cAMP) production, which aligns with its known pharmacology and is also true. Adrenaline can indeed be administered via inhalation (e.g., for asthma), orally (though less common), and parenterally (e.g., intramuscularly in anaphylaxis), confirming this as true. However, adrenaline does have active metabolites, such as metanephrine and normetanephrine, produced via catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) metabolism, making the statement about having no active metabolites false. In cardiac arrest, it facilitates CPR by causing peripheral vasoconstriction, increasing coronary perfusion pressure, which is true. The false statement here is about the absence of active metabolites, as adrenaline's breakdown products retain some activity, a key point in understanding its pharmacokinetics and duration of effect.
Question 3 of 5
A client has a new prescription for Atenolol. Which of the following statements should be included by the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is prescribed Atenolol, a beta-blocker, they should monitor their heart rate before taking the medication. It is crucial because if the heart rate is below 60 bpm, the client needs to contact their healthcare provider for further guidance and evaluation.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Atenolol does not need to be taken with a high-fat meal, does not typically cause a persistent cough, and there is no need to avoid foods high in fiber when taking this medication.
Question 4 of 5
A client is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased energy levels are a key indicator of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in treating hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine works to regulate thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels as the body's metabolism is restored. While the other options may also improve with treatment, increased energy levels directly reflect the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Decreased heart rate can be an indicator of overmedication, weight loss can be attributed to increased metabolism but may not directly reflect the effectiveness of levothyroxine, and improved mental clarity is a more general cognitive improvement that may not directly relate to thyroid function.
Question 5 of 5
What should you monitor when administering Clopidogrel to a patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When administering Clopidogrel, it is crucial to monitor for signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, bleeding during therapy, and changes in CBC with differential and platelet count. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare but serious condition associated with Clopidogrel use, characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological symptoms, fever, and renal dysfunction. Monitoring for signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is essential to detect this potentially life-threatening condition early. Monitoring for bleeding helps to assess the risk of hemorrhagic events, a known side effect of Clopidogrel. Additionally, regular monitoring of CBC with differential and platelet count is necessary to evaluate the drug's impact on blood cell counts and detect any abnormalities that may require intervention.
Therefore, monitoring all these parameters is vital to ensure patient safety and appropriate management during Clopidogrel therapy.