ATI RN
Pharmacology Assessment 1 ATI Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 29-year-old male patient is being treated with an antidepressant drug, and his mood is improving. However, he complains of feeling 'jittery' and agitated at times, and if he takes his medication in the afternoon he finds it difficult to get to sleep at night. He seems to have lost weight during the 6 months that he has been taking the drug. He has been warned not to take other drugs without consultation because severe reactions have occurred with opioid analgesics including meperidine. This patient is probably taking
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine, an SSRI, treats depression by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, often improving mood. Its side effects include agitation and insomnia (especially if taken late), due to serotonin's stimulating effects, and weight loss can occur initially, unlike TCAs which cause gain. A critical clue is the warning against opioids like meperidine: SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs, though meperidine's risk is notable in polypharmacy. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, sedates rather than agitates. Chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic, causes sedation and weight gain. Amitriptyline, a TCA, is sedating and linked to weight gain, not loss. Trazodone promotes sleep. Paroxetine's profile—activation, insomnia, weight loss, and drug interaction risks—matches the patient's experience.
Question 2 of 5
The patient and his wife receive the same medication for hypertension. The patient's wife asks the nurse why she is receiving a higher amount of the medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Individual variation-metabolism, weight, genetics-dictates dose differences, a pharmacokinetic truth explaining her higher amount. Female metabolism isn't universally higher. Hormones affect response, but not broadly dose. Body fat impacts distribution, not directly dose here. Uniqueness covers all factors, reassuring and accurate.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has taken two doses of interferon Alfa-2b (Intron-A). He comes to the clinic today with the following complaints. Which symptoms would the nurse identify as common adverse effects of this therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Interferon Alfa-2b, used for hepatitis or cancer, commonly causes flu-like symptoms—dizziness , fatigue , and anorexia —due to its immune-modulating effects. Dizziness reflects CNS impact, often early in therapy, while fatigue and appetite loss stem from systemic inflammation. An itchy rash might suggest hypersensitivity but is less frequent than these systemic effects. The nurse identifies dizziness as a common adverse effect (correct answers: 1, 3, 4), distinguishing it from severe reactions requiring intervention. This aligns with interferon's side effect profile, where patients often report such symptoms within days of starting, necessitating education on management (e.g., rest, hydration). Choice A is a key identifier among expected effects, ensuring appropriate monitoring.
Question 4 of 5
While on pentamidine (Pentam) infusion therapy. The nurse must anticipate doing which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pentamidine (Pentam) is a medication used for the treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS. A known side effect of pentamidine therapy is ocular toxicity, including retinal damage. The nurse must closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of retinal toxicity, such as changes in vision, eye pain, or sensitivity to light. Regular ophthalmologic evaluations may also be necessary to detect any ocular complications early and prevent permanent damage. Hence, observing for signs of retinal damage is crucial while the client is on pentamidine infusion therapy.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 55-year-old patient receiving metoprolol (Lopressor). What statement by the patient would lead the nurse to believe that he needs additional instruction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OTC medications can interact to increase or decrease the effects of antiadrenergic drugs. Antacids decrease the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. Decreased antihypertensive effects result when taken with ibuprofen. Other options reflect correct statements and would not indicate that the patient would need further instruction. The nurse should educate the patient about potential drug interactions and the importance of consulting their healthcare provider before taking OTC medications.