ATI RN
Pharmacology Final ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is giving instructions to a client receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The nurse concludes that the client has a sufficient knowledge if the client states that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Monitoring the serum phenytoin level is crucial when taking phenytoin (Dilantin) because phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic range. Having regular blood tests to check the drug levels ensures that the medication is within the effective range and helps prevent toxicity or ineffectiveness. This also allows healthcare providers to adjust the dosage if needed, based on the serum level results. It is an essential part of managing phenytoin therapy and ensuring its effectiveness while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
Question 2 of 5
A patient arrives in the emergency department with severe chest pain. The patient reports that the pain has been occurring off and on for a week now. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for cautious use of nitrates and nitrites?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A blood pressure of 88/62 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is a contraindication for nitrates and nitrites use. Nitrates and nitrites are vasodilators that can further lower blood pressure, potentially leading to severe hypotension and cardiovascular collapse in a patient with already low blood pressure.
Therefore, caution should be exercised in administering nitrates and nitrites to a patient with hypotension. In this case, the presence of severe chest pain may be indicative of a myocardial infarction, which would typically warrant the consideration of nitroglycerin (a nitrate) administration for chest pain relief. However, in the presence of hypotension, alternative treatment options may need to be considered first to stabilize the blood pressure before nitrate administration.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is in an urgent care center and is receiving treatment for mild hyponatremia after spending several hours doing gardening work in the heat of the day. The nurse expects that which drug therapy will be used to treat this condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of mild hyponatremia, which is a condition where there is a lower-than-normal concentration of sodium in the blood, treatment often involves administering intravenous normal saline infusion administered slowly. This helps to incrementally increase sodium levels in the blood while also ensuring proper hydration. Normal saline is preferred over other fluid solutions as it helps to maintain a stable electrolyte balance. In cases of severe hyponatremia or symptoms like seizures, more aggressive treatment may be necessary, but for mild cases like that described in the scenario, normal saline infusion is typically the appropriate choice.
Question 4 of 5
When the nurse is administering topical nitroglycerin ointment, which technique is correct?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct technique when administering topical nitroglycerin ointment is to remove the old ointment before applying the new ointment. This is to prevent any potential overdosing of the medication, as nitroglycerin can be rapidly absorbed through the skin. It is important to ensure that the previous application is fully removed before applying a new dose to prevent any accumulation of the medication.
Question 5 of 5
When assessing a patient who is receiving a loop diuretic, the nurse looks for the manifestations of potassium deficiency, which would include what symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Loop diuretics can cause excessive potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels in the body (hypokalemia). Some manifestations of potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) include muscle weakness, which can range from mild to severe, and anorexia (loss of appetite). Other symptoms of hypokalemia may include fatigue, weakness, constipation, and even cardiac arrhythmias. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor patients on loop diuretics for signs of potassium deficiency to prevent complications.