ATI RN
Introduction to Pharmacology ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 48-year-old man with a known history of asthma takes daily theophylline. He is found unconscious in his bathroom with an open bottle of theophylline that is now empty nearby. He is found by EMS to be apneic and pulseless. What is the most likely cause of death in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Theophylline overdose (empty bottle) causes cardiac arrhythmias . Toxicity leads to tachyarrhythmias, often fatal. Apnea is secondary. Pulmonary embolism lacks context. Seizures occur but aren't primary. Tetany (E) is unrelated. Arrhythmias align with theophylline's narrow therapeutic index.
Question 2 of 5
What is the rationale for combining levodopa with carbidopa?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Levodopa treats Parkinson's by crossing the blood-brain barrier and converting to dopamine, but peripheral metabolism by dopa decarboxylase reduces its availability and causes side effects like nausea. Carbidopa, a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, doesn't cross into the CNS, so it prevents levodopa breakdown outside the brain, increasing its CNS entry and efficacy. It doesn't stimulate dopamine receptors—levodopa's metabolite does that. Absorption isn't directly enhanced; bioavailability improves due to less peripheral loss. Peripheral dopamine production decreases with carbidopa, not increases, reducing side effects. COMT inhibition (e.g., entacapone) is a separate strategy. By blocking peripheral conversion, carbidopa ensures more levodopa reaches the brain, optimizing therapy and minimizing adverse effects.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is determining a patient's gastric residual before administering an enteral feeding; the last feeding was 240 mL. The patient will be discharged on enteral feedings. It is important to include in the teaching plan that a residual of more than which amount would indicate delayed gastric emptying (based on the last feeding)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A gastric residual volume of more than 60 mL (or 25% of the last feeding) suggests delayed gastric emptying, which increases the risk of aspiration. The nurse should hold the feeding and reassess if the residual exceeds this threshold. Higher residuals (B, C, D) are not acceptable indicators.
Question 4 of 5
The female client has a fungal infection and will receive nystatin (Mycostatin). What assessment data is critical for the nurse to review prior to administering this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nystatin, an antifungal for candidiasis, is Category C, indicating potential fetal risks aren't fully ruled out. Assessing whether the client could be pregnant is critical to evaluate safety, as pregnancy might necessitate alternative treatments or physician consultation to avoid harm. Diet type or fat content minimally affects nystatin's topical or oral efficacy, unrelated to its safety profile. Height and weight influence dosing for some drugs, but nystatin's standard dosing isn't weight-based for most indications. Pregnancy status directly impacts risk-benefit decisions, especially for a reproductive-age female, aligning with pharmacological precautions. The nurse's review of this data ensures no teratogenic effects are risked unknowingly, making C the most critical assessment prior to administration.
Question 5 of 5
Which drug category can be used for treating anxiety?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Seizure drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines like clonazepam) treat anxiety via GABA enhancement, calming overactivity, per pharmacology. Antitussives suppress cough, anticoagulants thin blood, and antibiotics fight infection-none target anxiety. Seizure drugs' anxiolytic use is established, fitting the need.