ATI LPN
ATI PN Pharmacology 2020 Exam 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving vancomycin for a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Creatinine 3.1 mg/dL. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate kidney damage, a potential side effect of vancomycin. This is critical as it may require adjustment of the medication dosage to prevent further harm. Reporting this finding promptly can prevent worsening kidney function.
A: Two loose stools in the past 24 hr may be expected due to the Clostridium difficile infection and vancomycin use, but it is not the priority compared to potential kidney damage indicated by elevated creatinine levels.
B: WBC 11,000/mm3 may indicate infection or inflammation, which is important to monitor but not as critical as potential kidney damage in this case.
D: Heart rate 104/min may indicate tachycardia, which can be a sign of various conditions, but it is not the priority compared to monitoring kidney function in a client receiving vancomycin.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is preparing to mix NPH insulin and regular insulin for administration. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inject air into each vial. This step is necessary to prevent creating a vacuum in the vial, making it easier to withdraw the correct amount of insulin. Injecting air into the vial equalizes the pressure, allowing for smooth withdrawal of the medication.
Choice A is incorrect because withdrawing the NPH insulin first without injecting air into the vials may lead to difficulty in withdrawing the correct amount of insulin due to pressure differences.
Choice C is incorrect as a tuberculin syringe is not typically used for insulin administration.
Choice D is incorrect because shaking the regular insulin vial may cause frothing, affecting the accuracy of the dose measurement.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who started taking amitriptyline 6 days ago. The client reports that the medication is not helping. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D: "You will need to wait a couple of weeks to feel the therapeutic effect of the medication." Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that typically takes 2-4 weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect. It is important for the nurse to educate the client on the delayed onset of action to manage expectations.
Choice A is incorrect as it is premature to switch medications after only 6 days.
Choice B is incorrect because increasing the dose without allowing sufficient time for the medication to work may lead to unnecessary side effects.
Choice C is incorrect as amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach for effectiveness.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is receiving morphine via a continuous epidural infusion. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory rate 10/min. This finding should be reported immediately because it indicates respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine. A respiratory rate of 10/min is below normal range (12-20/min) and can lead to hypoxia and respiratory arrest. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Constipation is a common side effect of morphine but does not require immediate reporting.
C: Facial flushing is a common side effect of morphine and does not indicate a medical emergency.
D: Blood pressure of 88/56 mm Hg is low, but not as critical as respiratory depression in this context.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to identify a client prior to medication administration. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to determine the client's identity?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Is your name Sarah Jones? This question helps verify the client's identity by confirming their name, a key identifier for medication administration. Asking about age (
A) or room number (
B) does not directly confirm identity. Inquiring about a home phone number (
D) is not as reliable as the client may provide incorrect information. Other choices (E, F, G) are irrelevant. Thus, confirming the client's name is crucial for accurate medication administration.