ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 28-year-old female presents with a 4 × 5 cm purulent ulcer on her abdomen following a spider bite. A wound culture grows MRSA, so intravenous vancomycin is started. While receiving her first dose of vancomycin, her face, neck, and chest flushed red. This reaction can best be described as
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vancomycin's red man syndrome-flushing during infusion-is non-hypersensitivity mast cell degranulation . Rapid infusion triggers histamine release, not IgE-mediated allergy . Type II , III , and IV (E) involve immune mechanisms unrelated to this acute, rate-dependent reaction. Slowing infusion prevents it, distinguishing it from true hypersensitivity, aligning with vancomycin's pharmacology in MRSA treatment.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is hypokalemic and will be receiving IV potassium. The patient is not on a heart monitor. How should the nurse administer the potassium replacement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When administering IV potassium replacement to a hypokalemic patient who is not on a heart monitor, it is crucial to prevent rapid infusion that may lead to dangerous cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. The general guideline is to administer no more than 20 mEq/hour of potassium when the patient is not on continuous cardiac monitoring. This rate allows the body to tolerate the infusion more safely and reduces the risk of serious adverse effects. It is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's response to the potassium replacement and adjust the rate if necessary based on the patient's condition and any signs of potassium-related complications.
Question 3 of 5
What is the expected outcome for Valproate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Valproate is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, which helps to reduce the occurrence of seizures.
Therefore, the expected outcome of Valproate treatment is a decrease in seizure activity and an improvement in seizure control.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient who is taking an adrenergic blocking agent. While assessing the patient’s medication history, the nurse discovers that the patient takes several alternative therapies. What herb is the nurse concerned may interact with the adrenergic blocking agent and affect the patient’s blood glucose level?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Di huang is an alternative therapy that can lower blood glucose when used in combination with adrenergic blocking agents. Ginseng increases antihypertensive effects; nightshade slows the heart rate; and saw palmetto increases the risk of urinary tract complications when used in combination with adrenergic blocking agents. The nurse should educate the patient about potential interactions and monitor blood glucose levels closely.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication to this patient to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is commonly administered to postoperative patients to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow. LMWH works by inhibiting the activity of certain clotting factors, ultimately preventing the formation of blood clots. As a result, it is often used in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in surgical patients. LMWH is preferred over traditional heparin due to its longer half-life, allowing for once or twice daily dosing, and reduced risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).