ATI RN
Practice ATI B Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
An 80-year-old man is taking digoxin and warfarin because of longstanding atrial fibrillation. He has an indwelling urinary catheter in situ, whilst awaiting a prostatectomy. At his pre-operation assessment he has a ventricular rate of 120/minute. The house officer doubles his daily digoxin dose and the operation is delayed one week. One week later he returns with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, confusion, delirium and visual disturbances. The most likely cause of his current symptoms is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Symptoms (nausea, confusion, visual changes) suggest digoxin toxicity, common in the elderly with doubled doses. Digoxin's narrow therapeutic index (0.5-2 ng/mL) and renal clearance (impaired with age) increase risk. Viral infection lacks cardiac specificity here. Hyperkalemia (e.g., >5.5 mmol/L) isn't indicated without ECG changes. Warfarin's INR prolongation causes bleeding, not these symptoms. UTI fits the catheter but not delirium/visual issues. Digoxin toxicity, from overdose and accumulation, explains the presentation, requiring level checks and cessation.
Question 2 of 5
When teaching a patient who is beginning antilipemic therapy about possible drug-food interactions, the nurse will discuss which food?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grapefruit juice can interact with antilipemic medications, specifically statins, causing increased drug levels in the bloodstream. This can lead to a higher risk of side effects and adverse reactions.
Therefore, patients on antilipemic therapy should be cautious about consuming grapefruit juice to prevent potential drug interactions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is doing preconception counseling with a patient. The patient asks why she must take folic acid (folate) during pregnancy. What is the nurse's response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in the developing fetus. It does not lower blood glucose (
B), prevent celiac disease (
C), or prevent migraines (
D). Adequate folic acid intake is critical before and during early pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
Mannitol (Osmitrol), an osmotic diuretic, is contraindicated to which conditions? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 1. Narrow-angle glaucoma: Mannitol can exacerbate narrow-angle glaucoma by causing an increase in intraocular pressure.
Therefore, it is contraindicated in patients with this condition.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse plans medication education for a client who receives a prescription for sildenafil (Viagra). What will the best plan by the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sildenafil (Viagra), a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, has a dosing limit of one pill per 24 hours to avoid risks like prolonged erections or hypotension, a key safety point for education. Grapefruit juice increases sildenafil levels by inhibiting metabolism, not decreasing effects, risking intensified side effects. It's optimally taken 1 hour before sex, effective up to 4 hours-not 6-setting realistic timing expectations. Food, especially high-fat meals, delays absorption, so it's best on an empty stomach. The 24-hour limit ensures safe use, balancing efficacy with minimizing adverse effects, aligning with prescribing standards and making it the priority in client teaching.