ATI RN
How to Study for ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is obtaining a medication history on a patient presenting with chest pain. What drug classification would necessitate the nurse informing the provider before beginning the prescribed nitroglycerin?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator commonly used to treat angina and chest pain by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart. When nitroglycerin is taken with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) used for erectile dysfunction, a profound drop in blood pressure can occur. This can lead to serious side effects like hypotension, dizziness, fainting, and even a potential risk of heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, the nurse should inform the provider before administering nitroglycerin to a patient taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors to ensure safe medication management and possibly adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Question 2 of 5
The mechanism of action of drugs is best determined by its:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pharmacodynamics refers to the study of how drugs exert their effects on the body, including the interactions between a drug and its target molecule or receptor leading to a biological response. Understanding a drug's mechanism of action involves determining how it interacts with specific receptors, enzymes, ion channels, or other molecular targets within the body to produce the desired therapeutic effects. Pharmacokinetics, on the other hand, involves the study of how drugs move through the body, including their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which although important for determining effective drug dosages and concentrations, does not directly provide insight into how a drug exerts its pharmacological effects. Therapeutic action refers to the overall clinical effect of the drug in treating a specific condition, which is influenced by its pharmacodynamics. Pharmaceutical preparations involve drug formulation and delivery methods, such as tablets, injections, or creams, which affect a drug's bioavailability but do not determine its specific mechanism of action.
Question 3 of 5
What is the therapeutic classification of Omeprazole?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Omeprazole belongs to the therapeutic class of antiulcer agents. It is a proton pump inhibitor that works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole is commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER
D), gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. It helps reduce symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain by promoting healing of the stomach lining.
Question 4 of 5
Which patient is the best candidate to receive nesiritide therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nesiritide is a recombinant form of human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) that is used for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure (HF). It is specifically indicated for patients with acute decompensated HF who have dyspnea at rest. Nesiritide works by promoting vasodilation and natriuresis, which helps alleviate symptoms of acute decompensated HF such as dyspnea and edema.
Therefore, the patient with acutely decompensated HF who has dyspnea at rest is the best candidate to receive nesiritide therapy to help improve their symptoms and hemodynamic status.
Question 5 of 5
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that…
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the production of certain clotting factors in the liver, specifically factors II, VII, IX, and X. By doing so, warfarin prevents the formation of new blood clots. It does not have the ability to dissolve existing blood clots, as that function is typically carried out by different types of medications known as thrombolytics. Warfarin is commonly prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.