ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Final Exam I Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client frequently takes diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to alleviate his upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergies. Which of the following mechanisms of action applies to diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a first-generation antihistamine that works by blocking histamine receptors, specifically the H1 receptors. By binding to these receptors, diphenhydramine inhibits the effects of histamine, thus reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. This mechanism of action is effective in alleviating upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergies.
Choice A is incorrect because diphenhydramine does not stimulate salivation.
Choice B is incorrect as diphenhydramine blocks H1 receptors, not H4 receptors.
Choice C is incorrect as diphenhydramine does not stimulate the effects of histamine.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client with an elevated serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Which scheduled medication should the nurse plan to administer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This medication is a potassium-lowering agent used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to the elimination of excess potassium from the body. Sertraline (
A) is an antidepressant, Captopril (
B) is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension, and Digoxin (
C) is a cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation. None of these medications are indicated for treating hyperkalemia.
Therefore, the nurse should plan to administer Sodium polystyrene sulfonate to address the elevated potassium level in the client's serum.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering an estrogen blocker to a client diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Which of the following side effects will the nurse caution the client regarding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thromboembolic events. Estrogen blockers can increase the risk of blood clots, leading to thromboembolic events such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This is a significant side effect that the nurse must caution the client about to prevent serious complications.
Other choices are incorrect:
A: Suicide - Not a common side effect of estrogen blockers in breast cancer treatment.
B: Increase risk of lymphomas - Estrogen blockers are not associated with an increased risk of lymphomas.
D: Flushing effect - Flushing is not a typical side effect of estrogen blockers in breast cancer treatment.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has begun to take sertraline (Zoloft) for newly diagnosed depression. Which of the following conditions is associated with an overdose of this medication class?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serotonin syndrome. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain. An overdose can lead to excessive serotonin accumulation, causing serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, muscle rigidity, sweating, and tremors. Tardive Dyskinesia (
A) is a movement disorder associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Increased arousal (
B) is not typically associated with sertraline overdose. Hypertensive crisis (
D) is more commonly linked to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) rather than SSRIs.
Question 5 of 5
A client is taking cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) for acute muscle spasms of the back. The nurse educates the client on which possible anticholinergic side effects associated with this medication? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: The correct answer choices are A, C, and E. Cyclobenzaprine is an anticholinergic medication, which blocks the action of acetylcholine. A: Tachycardia can occur due to the anticholinergic effects on the heart. C: Decreased urination is a result of anticholinergic effects on the bladder. E: Dry mouth is a common anticholinergic side effect due to reduced salivary gland function. B: Excessive lacrimation is not an anticholinergic effect; it is associated with cholinergic stimulation. D: Excessive sweating is not typically an anticholinergic side effect; instead, anticholinergics can cause decreased sweating.