ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A patient was admitted to the emergency department with a pulse oximeter reading of 85% after a successful prehospital resuscitation from cardiac arrest due to an asthma attack. What is the most important initial drug to administer as ordered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxygen is the most important initial intervention for a patient with a low pulse oximeter reading (85%) to correct hypoxia and prevent further complications. While epinephrine (
A) and albuterol (
C) are used to treat asthma, oxygen is the priority to address the immediate hypoxia. Sodium bicarbonate (
B) is not indicated unless there is severe metabolic acidosis.
Question 3 of 5
The newly licensed nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of androgen to the female client. The nurse manager asks for the rationale. What is the best response by the new nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-dose androgen therapy in females is occasionally used as a palliative treatment for certain breast cancers, particularly hormone-sensitive types, where it suppresses estrogen-driven tumor growth, offering symptom relief in advanced stages. Using androgens for athletic performance enhancement, while possible due to their anabolic effects, isn't a clinical indication and is illegal in regulated settings. Brain cancer lacks evidence supporting androgen use, as it doesn't target neurological malignancies. Sexual reassignment involves testosterone for masculinization, but high doses in a clinical context typically align with cancer care, not transition protocols. The breast cancer rationale reflects a recognized, albeit niche, therapeutic use, leveraging androgens' anti-estrogenic properties to slow disease progression, making it the most defensible clinical justification in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following should the nurse include when providing dietary teaching for the patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should include the instruction to avoid drinking large amounts of green tea when providing dietary teaching for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy because green tea contains vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Maintaining consistent intake of vitamin K is important to ensure the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.
Therefore, it is recommended for patients on warfarin to consume a consistent amount of vitamin K-containing foods and avoid sudden, significant changes in their intake.
Question 5 of 5
A client calls the clinic and tells the nurse that she has missed taking several of her contraceptive pills during the current cycle. What is the best instruction for the nurse to give the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Missing several contraceptive pills compromises efficacy, requiring an alternative method for the cycle to prevent pregnancy. Testing assesses outcome, not prevention. Future methods don't address now. Fewer than three still risks failure. D ensures immediate protection, making it the best instruction.