ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
Central venous access devices (CVADs) are frequently utilized to administer chemotherapy. What is a distinct advantage of using the CVAD for chemotherapeutic agent administration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Central venous access devices (CVADs) are advantageous for chemotherapy administration because they allow caustic or vesicant drugs to be delivered directly into larger veins, reducing the risk of vein irritation, thrombosis, or extravasation. While CVADs may have other benefits, such as long-term use and reduced need for repeated IV insertions, their primary advantage in chemotherapy is the safe administration of potentially damaging agents. Home administration and cost are secondary considerations.
Question 2 of 5
A 65-year-old man undergoes an orthopaedic procedure. He spends an hour in the recovery room before being returned to the ward. You are called to see him and on examination note that he is drowsy, has shallow breathing, a slow pulse and pinpoint pupils. The notes show an uneventful anaesthetic using an inhalational agent, muscle relaxant and fentanyl. In the recovery room he was breathing normally and was awake, but because of pain was initially given intravenous morphine and then intramuscular morphine before being returned to the ward. Your course of action is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient shows opioid overdose signs (drowsiness, respiratory depression, bradycardia, miosis) from fentanyl and morphine. Calling the resuscitation team delays specific treatment unless unresponsive. Atropine treats bradycardia but not respiratory depression. Neostigmine reverses neuromuscular blockers, not opioids. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines. IV naloxone, an opioid antagonist, rapidly reverses these effects, restoring breathing and consciousness, the best immediate action. Its specificity and speed are vital in postoperative opioid toxicity, ensuring patient safety.
Question 3 of 5
The patient is receiving zolpidem (Ambien) for treatment of short-term insomnia. What is the primary safety concern of the nurse when the patient takes this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic, causes dizziness and daytime sedation-fall risks, especially if not sleeping fully, per safety data. Nausea and diarrhea occur but aren't primary. Sleepwalking is rare, notable but less common. Sedation drives monitoring, a key concern.
Question 4 of 5
When caring for an elderly Chinese patient, the nurse recognizes that which of these cultural issues may influence the care of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Chinese culture, the use of heat, such as through warm foods or heating pads, is often believed to restore balance and promote healing. This cultural practice may influence the patient's preferences and expectations during hospitalization. Radiographs, hospital diets, and the perception of hospitalization are less likely to be significant cultural factors in this context.
Therefore, the nurse should consider the patient's cultural beliefs about heat and incorporate them into the care plan as appropriate.
Question 5 of 5
In the case of a Heparin overdose, which antidote would you give?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the case of a Heparin overdose, the antidote of choice is Protamine sulfate. Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication, and if an overdose occurs leading to excessive bleeding, Protamine sulfate can be administered to reverse the effects of Heparin by neutralizing its anticoagulant activity. It forms a complex with Heparin, rendering it inactive and helping to slow down or stop the bleeding. Naloxone is used as an antidote for opioid overdose, Ibutilide is used for arrhythmias, and Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. But these antidotes are not appropriate for reversing the effects of a Heparin overdose.