ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Book Questions
Question 1 of 9
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: Allergic hives from detergent need a non-sedating antihistamine. Fexofenadine -blocks H1 receptors without drowsiness, ideal for studying. Chlorpheniramine , dimenhydrinate , and diphenhydramine sedate. Ipratropium (E) is irrelevant. Fexofenadine ensures efficacy and alertness.
Question 2 of 9
A patient who is taking aspirin for arthritis pain asks the nurse why it also causes gastrointestinal upset. The nurse understands that this is because aspirin:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aspirin works by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. COX-1 is responsible for producing prostaglandins that help maintain the stomach lining, promote blood clotting, and support kidney function. When COX-1 is inhibited by aspirin, it interferes with the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining, leading to increased risk of gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. This is why aspirin is known to cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and even ulcers in some cases.
Question 3 of 9
A patient has had recent mechanical heart valve surgery and is receiving anticoagulant therapy. While monitoring the patient™s laboratory work, the nurse interprets that the patient™s international normalized ratio (INR) level of 3 indicates that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An international normalized ratio (INR) level of 3 indicates that the patient's warfarin dose is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation. In patients with mechanical heart valves, the target INR range is usually higher (around 2.5 to 3.5) to prevent thrombus formation on the prosthetic valve. An INR of 3 demonstrates that the anticoagulant effect of warfarin is at an appropriate level to reduce the risk of blood clots while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. If the INR level was subtherapeutic (below the target range), it would indicate that the patient is not receiving enough warfarin to achieve the desired anticoagulant effect.
Question 4 of 9
The patient is complaining of a severe headache. The physician orders aspirin. Which action by the nurse will result in the fastest relief of the patient's headache?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aspirin on an empty stomach absorbs fastest, speeding headache relief by avoiding food delays-fatty meals like peanut butter slow gastric emptying, reducing onset. Alkaline foods may alter pH but don't hasten absorption significantly. Enteric-coated forms delay release for GI protection, not speed. Empty stomach delivery maximizes bioavailability quickly, aligning with pain relief urgency.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is compiling a drug history for a patient. Which question from the nurse will obtain the most information from the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A comprehensive drug history includes information about the patient's current and past medication use, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and non-pharmacological pain relief methods. Asking, 'When you have pain, what do you do to relieve it?' provides insight into the patient's self-management strategies and helps identify potential drug interactions or misuse. While questions about sleeping pills, family history, and childhood diseases are relevant, they do not provide as much information about the patient's current medication practices. Therefore, focusing on pain relief methods is the most effective way to gather a detailed drug history.
Question 6 of 9
This salicylate is less effective than aspirin, but may be used in patients allergic to aspirin :
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Salicylamide is a salicylate compound that is less effective than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in terms of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, salicylamide can be used as an alternative in patients who are allergic to aspirin. It is often better tolerated by individuals with hypersensitivity to aspirin. Sodium salicylate, methyl salicylate, diflunisal, and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) do not specifically have an advantage in patients allergic to aspirin compared to salicylamide.
Question 7 of 9
When collecting a medication history from a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma, the nurse identifies several drugs that could exacerbate glaucoma. Which drug poses a priority concern for this particular patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxymetazoline, a decongestant, can exacerbate glaucoma by causing vasoconstriction and increasing intraocular pressure. Cyclobenzaprine (A) is not typically associated with worsening glaucoma. The nurse should prioritize identifying and addressing the use of oxymetazoline in this patient.
Question 8 of 9
A 19-year-old female is brought to the emergency department by a friend concerned with a change in her behavior during a party. The patient is agitated, anxious, and exhibits paranoid reactions to the physical exam. Her pulse is 120 beats/minute and her blood pressure is 150/100 mm Hg. She also complains of 'bugs' crawling all over her skin, although there is nothing there. Which of the following drugs has she most likely taken?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Agitation, paranoia, tachycardia, hypertension, and formication (bugs on skin) suggest cocaine . Heroin causes sedation. LSD induces hallucinations but less autonomic stimulation. Methanol and Propofol (E) don't fit. Cocaine's stimulant effects match this acute presentation.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is providing instructions to a client who is taking doxapram (Dopram). Which of the following statements made by the client needs further instructions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Doxapram (Dopram) is a respiratory stimulant medication used to treat respiratory depression. It is usually taken during the day, as it can cause stimulation and increased alertness. Taking it at bedtime may lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to its stimulating effects. Therefore, the client should be instructed to take the medication during the day and not at bedtime.