ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
The following drugs are commonly associated with serotonin syndrome:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, is a common cause of serotonin syndrome when used alone or in combination with other serotonergic agents.
Question 2 of 5
After a severe auto accident, a patient has been taken to the trauma unit and has an estimated
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Packed red blood cells contain primarily red blood cells and are used to increase the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity. After a severe auto accident, the patient may experience blood loss and require a transfusion of packed red blood cells to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. While other blood products like whole blood or fresh frozen plasma contain additional components (such as plasma proteins or clotting factors), packed red blood cells are specifically indicated to address oxygen-carrying needs in cases of significant blood loss or anemia.
Therefore, in the trauma unit for a patient following a severe auto accident, the nurse should prepare to administer packed red blood cells.
Question 3 of 5
While assessing a patient who is receiving intravenous digitalis, the nurse recognizes that the drug has a negative chronotropic effect. How would this drug effect be evident in the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digitalis is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain cardiac arrhythmias. It works by increasing the force of heart contractions and slowing down the heart rate. Digitalis has a negative chronotropic effect, which means it decreases the heart rate by affecting the electrical conduction system of the heart. When a patient is receiving intravenous digitalis, a decreased heart rate would be evident as a result of this pharmacological action.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. Decreased heart rate.
Question 4 of 5
Which assessment should the nurse prioritize for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client receives total parenteral nutrition (TPN), monitoring blood glucose levels is critical due to the high glucose content in TPN solutions, which can lead to hyperglycemia. This condition arises because TPN delivers concentrated nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, and the body may struggle to regulate sugar levels effectively without proper insulin response. Potassium levels, while important in overall electrolyte balance, are less immediately impacted by TPN compared to glucose, as potassium imbalances typically develop over time rather than acutely from TPN initiation. Mental status assessments are valuable for neurological conditions but lack direct relevance to TPN's metabolic effects. Similarly, blood pressure monitoring is essential for cardiovascular health but isn't the primary concern with TPN, as it doesn't directly influence hypertension or hypotension in the same way glucose dysregulation does. The focus on glucose stems from its rapid impact on the client's metabolic state, making it the priority assessment to prevent complications like hyperglycemia, which can escalate to severe outcomes if unaddressed. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention, aligning with TPN's nutritional goals.
Question 5 of 5
When teaching a patient who has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches, the nurse tells the patient that these patches are most appropriately used for which situation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are primarily used for the prevention and management of angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin works by dilating the blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow to the heart muscle and reduce the workload on the heart. By preventing angina episodes, nitroglycerin patches can help to alleviate chest pain, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients with angina. It is not used to prevent low blood pressure, relieve shortness of breath, or control heart rate during exercise.