ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 13-year-old female complains of an itchy, runny nose during the fall season. She says she experienced similar symptoms around the same time last year. Her family history is significant for hay fever in her mother. Which of the following would be the best choice to treat this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the best choice to treat the 13-year-old female with seasonal allergic rhinitis is option C: Montelukast. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators involved in allergic reactions. Aspirin (option A) is not the best choice in this case because it is not typically used to treat allergic rhinitis and can even exacerbate symptoms in some individuals. Epinephrine (option B) is indicated for severe allergic reactions/anaphylaxis, not for mild allergic rhinitis symptoms. Naproxen (option D) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that may help with symptoms like nasal congestion or headache, but it does not target the underlying allergic response like Montelukast does. Educationally, it is important to understand the pharmacological basis of different treatment options for allergic rhinitis. Knowing the mechanism of action of Montelukast and how it specifically targets allergic responses can help healthcare providers make informed decisions when managing patients with similar presentations. Additionally, considering the patient's age and history of symptoms, choosing a safe and effective medication like Montelukast is crucial for providing optimal care.
Question 2 of 5
A 28-year-old woman with schizoaffective disorder (combination of mood and psychotic symptoms) reports difficulty falling asleep. Which of the following would be most beneficial in this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Paliperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, treats schizoaffective disorder's psychotic and mood symptoms via D2 and 5HT2 antagonism. Its moderate sedative effect, less than chlorpromazine's, can aid sleep onset without excessive drowsiness, fitting her insomnia complaint. Lithium stabilizes mood but doesn't sedate or address psychosis directly. Chlorpromazine, a sedating first-generation antipsychotic, risks oversedation and EPS. Haloperidol, non-sedating, controls psychosis but not mood or sleep. Ziprasidone lacks strong sedation. Paliperidone's balanced profile manages her condition holistically, improving sleep while targeting core symptoms, per evidence.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse completes medication education for the client receiving antihistamines. The nurse evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antihistamines, particularly first-generation ones (e.g., diphenhydramine), block H1 receptors but cross the blood-brain barrier, causing sedation. The statement 'This medication could make me very sleepy' shows the client understands this key side effect, indicating effective education. Alcohol exacerbates sedation, so that's incorrect. Increased fluids aren't specifically required unless addressing dry mouth, a secondary issue. OTC status doesn't guarantee safety, a common misconception. The nurse evaluates learning by the client's recognition of drowsiness, critical for safety (e.g., avoiding driving), making choice D the best evidence of comprehension.
Question 4 of 5
The client receives albuterol (Proventil) via inhaler. He asks the nurse why he can't just take a pill. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) "When you inhale the drug the blood supply in your lungs picks it up rapidly, resulting in quicker effects." This response is the best because it accurately explains the pharmacokinetics of inhaled albuterol. By inhaling the medication, it is directly delivered to the lungs where it can quickly enter the bloodstream and start working, providing faster relief for respiratory symptoms like bronchospasm. Option B is incorrect because pills can also be effective in treating various illnesses, but in the case of albuterol for respiratory conditions, inhaled medications are preferred due to their faster onset of action and targeted delivery to the lungs. Option C is incorrect because the route of administration (inhaled vs. oral) does not necessarily determine the number of side effects. Side effects are more related to the specific medication and individual patient factors rather than the route of administration. Option D is incorrect because the effectiveness of a medication is not solely determined by the route of administration. Both inhaled and oral forms of albuterol can be effective, but inhaled albuterol is preferred for conditions requiring rapid relief of bronchospasm. Educational Context: Understanding the pharmacokinetics and rationale behind selecting a specific route of medication administration is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their patients. In the case of inhaled albuterol, the rapid onset of action and localized effects in the lungs make it the preferred route for treating acute respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD exacerbations.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse administers IV potassium chloride to a client with hypokalemia. Which precaution should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Potassium chloride corrects hypokalemia but is caustic IV, risking phlebitis or tissue damage if it infiltrates. Monitoring the IV site prevents complications, a key precaution. Undiluted or rapid infusion causes burns or arrhythmias'standard is diluted, <10 mEq/hour. A syringe pump isn't required'IV pumps suffice. Site monitoring aligns with potassium's administration risks, critical in hypokalemia where cardiac effects (e.g., arrhythmias) are at stake, making C the nurse's priority to ensure safe delivery.