ATI RN
Virtual ATI Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
An HIV-positive client who has been started on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) came back for a follow-up checkup. Which of the following will be the most helpful in determining the response to the therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most helpful test in determining the response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in an HIV-positive client is the viral load test. This test measures the amount of HIV in a person's blood, indicating how well the medication is working to suppress the virus. A decrease in the viral load over time signifies a positive response to the treatment, while an increase may indicate treatment failure or drug resistance development. Monitoring the viral load is crucial in managing HIV and making informed decisions about the continuation or modification of the antiretroviral therapy regimen. Rapid HIV antigen tests, Western Blot analysis, and white blood cell count do not directly assess the response to HAART in the same way that viral load testing does.
Question 2 of 5
When administering a loop diuretic to a patient, it is most important for the nurse to determine if the patient is also taking which drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When administering a loop diuretic to a patient, it is crucial to determine if the patient is also taking theophylline. Loop diuretics may interact with theophylline, leading to an increase in theophylline levels in the blood. This interaction can result in elevated theophylline concentrations, potentially causing toxicity symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and arrhythmias.
Therefore, monitoring the patient's theophylline levels and adjusting the dosage accordingly is essential to prevent adverse effects. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of potential drug interactions and consider them when prescribing medications to avoid harmful complications for the patient.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing new medication orders for a patient who has an epidural catheter for pain relief. One of the orders is for enoxaparin (Lovenox), a low“molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). What is the nurse™s priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's priority action in this situation is to contact the prescriber because LMWHs like enoxaparin should not be given to a patient with an epidural catheter due to the increased risk of bleeding. Giving LMWH to a patient with an epidural catheter can lead to epidural hematoma, a serious complication that can result in permanent paralysis. It is important to clarify this order with the prescriber to ensure patient safety and prevent potential harm.
Question 4 of 5
A patient wants to take garlic tablets to improve his cholesterol levels. Which condition would be a contraindication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Taking garlic tablets can potentially increase the risk of bleeding during surgery due to its blood-thinning properties. This can interfere with the body's ability to clot blood properly during and after surgery, leading to excessive bleeding and complications.
Therefore, scheduled surgery is a contraindication for taking garlic tablets. It is essential to inform healthcare providers about any supplements being taken before undergoing surgery to ensure safety and prevent adverse effects.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse notes in the patient™s medication orders that the patient will be starting anticoagulant therapy. What is the primary goal of anticoagulant therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of anticoagulant therapy is to prevent the formation of blood clots or thrombi. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the clotting process in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation in the blood vessels. This helps to prevent conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and other thromboembolic events. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots (thrombus), they work to prevent new clots from forming. So, the main objective of starting anticoagulant therapy in a patient is to prevent the development of thrombi.