ATI RN
Virtual ATI Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following drugs is contraindicated if there is a history of acute porphyria?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute porphyria involves heme synthesis defects, triggered by drugs inducing hepatic enzymes (e.g., CYP450). Quinine, used in malaria, isn't a major porphyria trigger. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, is porphyrin-safe, with minimal enzyme induction. Oral contraceptives, containing estrogens/progestins, induce ALA synthase, exacerbating acute porphyria, making them contraindicated. Heparin and amoxicillin don't significantly affect porphyrin metabolism. The contraceptive link reflects hormonal exacerbation of porphyric attacks, critical for safe prescribing in this rare condition.
Question 2 of 5
Co-codamol contains:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Co-codamol contains paracetamol and codeine, a form of opioid analgesic.
Question 3 of 5
A 63-year-old woman with a history of cardiac arrhythmia maintained on quinidine presents to her primary care physician complaining of frequency, urgency, and dysuria. Urine culture reveals >100,000 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli. She is given a prescription for ciprofloxacin 500 mg to be taken twice daily for 7 days. Which of the following sequelae could be problematic for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Quinidine and ciprofloxacin both prolong the QT interval, risking torsades de pointes. Option , QT prolongation, is correct-combined use heightens arrhythmia risk in this patient. Asystole , MI , pulmonary edema , and embolism (E) aren't directly linked. This drug interaction demands monitoring, critical given her cardiac history.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following antipsychotic agents is most associated with the possibility of a hematological dyscrasia such as agranulocytosis in a patient being treated for schizophrenia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, is highly effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but carries a 1-2% risk of agranulocytosis, a severe drop in neutrophils, necessitating regular blood monitoring. Chlorpromazine causes rare leukopenia, not agranulocytosis prominence. Buspirone, an anxiolytic, lacks hematological risks. Lithium may increase leukocytes, not decrease them. Asenapine has minimal blood dyscrasia association. Clozapine's unique efficacy comes with this rare but serious side effect, distinguishing it and requiring strict oversight, per FDA guidelines.
Question 5 of 5
A male patient is to begin therapy with isotretinoin and asks, 'What do I have to remember to do while taking this medicine?' How would the nurse respond? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotretinoin is a potent medication with significant side effects and precautions. Patients should avoid sunlight (
A) due to increased photosensitivity. Regular laboratory tests (
C) are necessary to monitor liver function and lipid levels. Two forms of contraceptives (
D) are required for females due to the high risk of teratogenicity. Monitoring weight (
B) is not typically associated with isotretinoin use.