ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is administering 4 mg of hydromorphone to a client by mouth every 4 hr. The medication is provided as hydromorphone 8 mg per tablet. Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes. This is the appropriate action because hydromorphone is a controlled substance with high abuse potential. The nurse should follow proper medication disposal protocols to prevent diversion or misuse. Returning the medication to the pharmacy (choice
A) may not ensure proper disposal. Storing the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system (choice
B) or placing it in the unit dose package (choice
C) could lead to unauthorized access. Disposing of the medication while another nurse observes (choice
D) ensures accountability and adherence to safety measures.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who requires treatment for high cholesterol. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse expect to administer?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Colesevelam (Welchol). This medication is a bile acid sequestrant commonly used to treat high cholesterol by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption, thus lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Colchicine (
A) is used to treat gout, Cimetidine (
B) for ulcers, and Chlorpromazine (
D) for psychotic disorders. These medications are not indicated for high cholesterol.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is taking atorvastatin. Which of the following laboratory values indicates the treatment has been effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: LDL 120 mg/dL. Atorvastatin is a medication used to lower LDL cholesterol levels. A decrease in LDL levels indicates the effectiveness of the treatment in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. BUN, blood glucose, and urine specific gravity are not directly related to the effectiveness of atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol levels. BUN reflects kidney function, blood glucose monitors glucose levels, and urine specific gravity indicates hydration status.
Therefore, D is the best indicator of treatment effectiveness.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to initiate IV therapy for a client. Which of the following sites should the nurse use to place the peripheral IV catheter?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nondominant dorsal venous arch. This site is preferred for peripheral IV catheter placement due to the larger vein diameter, ease of access, and reduced risk of complications like nerve damage or infiltration. The nondominant side is chosen to prevent disruption of daily activities. The dorsal venous arch is a superficial vein that is easily visible and palpable, making it suitable for successful cannulation. It also allows for optimal flow rate and minimizes the risk of phlebitis.
Choices B, C, and D are not ideal for various reasons such as smaller vein size, increased risk of nerve damage, and difficulty in accessing or securing the catheter.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse accidentally administers the medication metformin instead of metoprolol to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the client's glucose level. Metformin is a medication used to treat diabetes, so administering it instead of metoprolol could lead to hypoglycemia. Checking the client's glucose level will help determine if the client is experiencing low blood sugar levels due to the medication error. Monitoring thyroid function (
A), collecting uric acid levels (
B), and obtaining HDL levels (
C) are not relevant in this situation and would not address the immediate concern of potential hypoglycemia.