ATI RN
Pharmacology Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is prescribed enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse teach the client to report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, causes dry cough via bradykinin buildup, a common effect needing reporting to consider switching (e.g., to an AR
B). Fatigue , headache , and nausea are less specific or urgent. Cough aligns with enalapril's pharmacology, critical in hypertension where adherence hinges on tolerability, making A the key side effect to report.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who has been taking antihypertensive drugs for a few months complains of having a persistent dry cough. The nurse knows that this cough is an adverse effect of which class of antihypertensive drugs?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The persistent dry cough mentioned by the patient is a well-known adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. This side effect is due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs, leading to irritation and stimulation of cough receptors. If a patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a persistent dry cough, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to consider alternative antihypertensive medications to manage the hypertension effectively without causing this bothersome side effect.
Question 3 of 5
Following surgery, a client is placed on cefotaxime (Claforan). The assessment for possible adverse effects should include observing for
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin, treats postoperative infections but disrupts gut flora, commonly causing diarrhea due to overgrowth of pathogens like Clostridioides difficile. This adverse effect can range from mild to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis, making it a priority observation. Headache might occur but is less frequent and specific to cefotaxime. Constipation contrasts with its GI effects, as diarrhea is more typical, while tachycardia could signal anaphylaxis or secondary infection but isn't a primary concern. Monitoring for diarrhea allows early detection of complications, enabling prompt intervention like discontinuing the drug or starting probiotics. This focus aligns with cephalosporins' pharmacological profile, where GI disturbance is a well-documented risk, especially post-surgery when patients are vulnerable. Thus, observing for diarrhea is the nurse's key assessment, ensuring patient safety and effective management of adverse effects, making A the correct choice.
Question 4 of 5
Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should complete which task?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should count the apical pulse for 1 minute. Digoxin is a cardiac medication that primarily works by increasing the force of contractions of the heart muscle. It is important to assess the patient's heart rate to ensure it is within the recommended range before administering Digoxin. This is because Digoxin can cause serious complications such as heart arrhythmias if given when the heart rate is too low. Counting the apical pulse for a full minute provides a more accurate assessment of the heart rate compared to shorter durations.
Question 5 of 5
When monitoring a patient who has diabetes and is receiving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for edema, the nurse will monitor for which possible adverse effect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat edema by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye and reducing fluid in the body. One common side effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is metabolic acidosis, which can lead to increased blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. The medication may interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels, leading to elevated blood glucose.
Therefore, when monitoring a patient with diabetes who is receiving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, the nurse should closely monitor for signs of elevated blood glucose levels to prevent potential complications.