ATI RN
Pharmacology Assessment 1 ATI Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 29-year-old male patient is being treated with an antidepressant drug, and his mood is improving. However, he complains of feeling 'jittery' and agitated at times, and if he takes his medication in the afternoon he finds it difficult to get to sleep at night. He seems to have lost weight during the 6 months that he has been taking the drug. He has been warned not to take other drugs without consultation because severe reactions have occurred with opioid analgesics including meperidine. This patient is probably taking
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine, an SSRI, treats depression by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, often improving mood. Its side effects include agitation and insomnia (especially if taken late), due to serotonin's stimulating effects, and weight loss can occur initially, unlike TCAs which cause gain. A critical clue is the warning against opioids like meperidine: SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs, though meperidine's risk is notable in polypharmacy. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, sedates rather than agitates. Chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic, causes sedation and weight gain. Amitriptyline, a TCA, is sedating and linked to weight gain, not loss. Trazodone promotes sleep. Paroxetine's profile—activation, insomnia, weight loss, and drug interaction risks—matches the patient's experience.
Question 2 of 5
Name the four categories of enteral formulas? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Enteral formulas are categorized as elemental/semi-elemental (
B), disease-specific (
C), polymeric formula (
D), and modular formula (E). Enteral macronutrient (
A) is not a recognized category. These formulas are tailored to meet specific nutritional needs based on the patient's condition.
Question 3 of 5
The following inhibit at least one of the hepatic CYP450 isoenzymes:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A enzymes, affecting the metabolism of several drugs and potentially leading to increased plasma concentrations.
Question 4 of 5
The patient and his wife receive the same medication for hypertension. The patient's wife asks the nurse why she is receiving a higher amount of the medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Individual variation-metabolism, weight, genetics-dictates dose differences, a pharmacokinetic truth explaining her higher amount. Female metabolism isn't universally higher. Hormones affect response, but not broadly dose. Body fat impacts distribution, not directly dose here. Uniqueness covers all factors, reassuring and accurate.
Question 5 of 5
Benzodiazepines are often the drug of choice for managing anxiety and insomnia. Which statement best explains why?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) rapidly calm via GABA, making them highly effective for acute anxiety and insomnia, per clinical use. They carry dependence risk-not low. Insurance or cost varies, not unique. Effectiveness drives preference, despite risks, for quick relief.