ATI RN
Introduction to Pharmacology ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 48-year-old man with a known history of asthma takes daily theophylline. He is found unconscious in his bathroom with an open bottle of theophylline that is now empty nearby. He is found by EMS to be apneic and pulseless. What is the most likely cause of death in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Theophylline overdose (empty bottle) causes cardiac arrhythmias .
Toxicity leads to tachyarrhythmias, often fatal. Apnea is secondary. Pulmonary embolism lacks context. Seizures occur but aren't primary. Tetany (E) is unrelated. Arrhythmias align with theophylline's narrow therapeutic index.
Question 2 of 5
What is the rationale for combining levodopa with carbidopa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Levodopa treats Parkinson's by crossing the blood-brain barrier and converting to dopamine, but peripheral metabolism by dopa decarboxylase reduces its availability and causes side effects like nausea. Carbidopa, a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, doesn't cross into the CNS, so it prevents levodopa breakdown outside the brain, increasing its CNS entry and efficacy. It doesn't stimulate dopamine receptors—levodopa's metabolite does that. Absorption isn't directly enhanced; bioavailability improves due to less peripheral loss. Peripheral dopamine production decreases with carbidopa, not increases, reducing side effects. COMT inhibition (e.g., entacapone) is a separate strategy. By blocking peripheral conversion, carbidopa ensures more levodopa reaches the brain, optimizing therapy and minimizing adverse effects.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client with heart failure. The client's heart rate is 58 beats per minute. What is the nurse's best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin slows heart rate via vagal stimulation, treating heart failure but risking bradycardia if the rate drops too low. A heart rate of 58 bpm is below the typical threshold (60 bpm) for holding digoxin, indicating potential toxicity or excessive effect, especially in heart failure where compensatory tachycardia may mask issues. Holding the dose and notifying the physician allows reassessment of digoxin levels or need for adjustment, prioritizing safety. Administering as ordered risks worsening bradycardia, potentially leading to hemodynamic instability. Half-dosing lacks protocol support and delays medical input. Blood pressure informs but doesn't address the primary concern. Holding and notifying aligns with nursing judgment and digoxin's narrow therapeutic index, making B the best action to prevent adverse outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
An older adult patient will be taking a vasodilator for hypertension. Which adverse effect is of most concern for the older adult patient taking this class of drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most concerning adverse effect for an older adult patient taking a vasodilator for hypertension is hypotension, which is abnormally low blood pressure. Older adults may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of vasodilators due to age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. Hypotension can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, falls, and even fainting, increasing the risk of injury in older adults. Monitoring blood pressure regularly and adjusting the dosage appropriately are crucial in managing this potential adverse effect in older patients.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is determining a patient's gastric residual before administering an enteral feeding; the last feeding was 240 mL. The patient will be discharged on enteral feedings. It is important to include in the teaching plan that a residual of more than which amount would indicate delayed gastric emptying (based on the last feeding)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A gastric residual volume of more than 60 mL (or 25% of the last feeding) suggests delayed gastric emptying, which increases the risk of aspiration. The nurse should hold the feeding and reassess if the residual exceeds this threshold. Higher residuals (B, C,
D) are not acceptable indicators.