ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide Questions
Question 1 of 5
Intravenous (IV) therapy is ordered for a patient with a serum sodium of 150 mEq/L. Which of the following does the nurse anticipate administering?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a patient with a high serum sodium level (hypernatremia), the goal of treatment is to gradually decrease the sodium concentration in the body to prevent complications. Isotonic solutions (0.9% NS or LR) can worsen hypernatremia because they have a higher sodium concentration than the patient's current serum sodium level. Hypotonic solutions, such as 0.45% NS, are typically used to treat hypernatremia because they have a lower sodium concentration than the patient's serum sodium, which helps dilute the sodium in the body and lower the serum sodium level back to a normal range.
Therefore, in this case, the nurse would anticipate administering 0.45% NS to the patient with a serum sodium level of 150 mEq/L.
Question 2 of 5
A client with bell's palsy tells the nurse that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is taken daily as prescribed by the physician. Which laboratory value would indicate a toxicity of the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is primarily metabolized in the liver. Hepatotoxicity is a serious potential side effect of acetaminophen overdose or excessive use. One of the markers for liver damage due to acetaminophen toxicity is an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. Normal BUN levels range from 7 to 20 mg/dl, and a level of 60 mg/dl indicates kidney dysfunction, which can result from liver damage caused by acetaminophen toxicity.
Therefore, an elevated BUN level would indicate a toxicity of acetaminophen in this client with Bell's palsy who is taking acetaminophen daily. The other laboratory values mentioned are not specific markers for acetaminophen toxicity.
Question 3 of 5
What is the classification for the drug valproate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Valproate is classified as an anti-convulsant medication. It is commonly used to treat seizures, particularly in the management of epilepsy. Valproate works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain to control seizures and stabilize mood in some psychiatric conditions. It is not classified as an anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer agent, or anti-hypertensive medication.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is most suitable for migraine prophylaxis in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old woman?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Migraine prophylaxis reduces attack frequency. Ergotamine treats acute migraines, not prophylaxis, risking vasoconstriction. Paracetamol relieves pain but doesn't prevent migraines. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, reduces migraine frequency via vascular and CNS effects, proven effective and safe in healthy adults. Carbamazepine suits trigeminal neuralgia, not migraines. Sumatriptan is acute, not preventive. Propranolol's efficacy makes it first-line, balancing prevention and tolerability.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is receiving fluid replacement. The nurse's health teaching with this patient includes which suggestions? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring weight daily (
A) helps assess fluid balance, as sudden changes may indicate fluid retention or loss. Thirst (
B) is an early sign of mild dehydration. Monitoring intake and output (
C) is essential to evaluate fluid status. Avoiding calcium and chloride supplements (
D) is not relevant to fluid replacement. Reviewing electrolyte labs (E) is important but not part of routine health teaching for fluid replacement.