ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Book Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 17-year-old man is brought to the emergency department with severe right lower quadrant pain that he first felt around his umbilicus. His white blood cell count is 12,000/μL of blood. He is taken to the operating room for emergent laparoscopic appendectomy. About an hour into the surgery, his body temperature spikes and CO2 production rises uncontrollably. What is the next step in the treatment of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever and CO2 rise during surgery suggest malignant hyperthermia (MH). Dantrolene , a ryanodine receptor antagonist, halts MH by blocking calcium release. Acetaminophen reduces fever but not MH. Bromocriptine treats neuroleptic syndrome. Diazepam and Naproxen (E) are irrelevant. Dantrolene's specificity saves lives in this surgical emergency.
Question 2 of 5
A 21-year-old male college student presents to the emergency department with hives over his chest and arms. The history and physical exam reveals that he used a new laundry detergent and he was having an allergic reaction. The physician wants to prescribe an antihistamine that will not sedate the patient because he has to study for a test. What is the most appropriate treatment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
A 30-year-old male patient who is treated with haloperidol for his diagnosis of schizophrenia is considered to be well-managed symptomatically for his psychotic symptoms. However, he is reporting restlessness, the inability to sit still at the dinner table, and his family notices that he is pacing up and down the hallway frequently. Of the following, which is the best medication to treat this antipsychotic-induced akathisia?
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Haloperidol's D2 blockade causes akathisia—restlessness and pacing—as an EPS. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, reduces akathisia by modulating catecholamine activity, a first-line treatment per guidelines, unlike anticholinergics (benztropine) which target dystonia/parkinsonism. Dantrolene treats muscle spasticity, not akathisia. Amoxapine, an antidepressant, worsens psychosis. Bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, risks psychosis exacerbation. Propranolol's efficacy, safety, and specificity for akathisia make it the best choice, replacing D as instructed.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaches the client about the difference between oral and nasal decongestants. The nurse evaluates that learning has been effective when the client makes which statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oral decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) act systemically, raising blood pressure via vasoconstriction, a key difference from nasal decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline), which act locally but risk rebound congestion. The statement 'Oral decongestants can cause hypertension' shows the client grasps this systemic effect, indicating effective teaching. Nasal decongestants aren't safe for a month ; they cause rebound after 3-5 days. Only nasal decongestants typically cause rebound , not oral. Oral efficacy varies, not inherently superior. Choice A reflects accurate understanding of oral decongestants' broader impact, critical for safe use, making it the best learning indicator.
Question 5 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: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.