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: In this scenario, the most likely cause of death in the patient who ingested an overdose of theophylline is cardiac arrhythmia (Option B). Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma management that can lead to toxic levels in overdose situations. Theophylline toxicity can cause severe cardiac side effects, including tachycardia, arrhythmias, and even cardiac arrest due to its stimulatory effects on the heart. Option A, apnea, is less likely the cause of death in this case because the patient was found pulseless, indicating a cardiac event rather than respiratory failure. Pulmonary embolism (Option C) and seizures (Option D) are also less likely causes as theophylline toxicity typically manifests with cardiac symptoms rather than embolic or neurological complications. Educationally, this case highlights the importance of understanding the toxic effects of medications, recognizing the signs of drug overdose, and the potential life-threatening cardiac consequences of theophylline toxicity. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring patients on theophylline therapy and educating them on the risks of overdose.
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
An infant is prescribed nystatin (Mycostatin) for treatment of infant oral candidiasis, or thrush. Which information should the nurse provide to the infant's caregiver in regard to this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nystatin is used to treat oral thrush in infants, a fungal infection often linked to Candida albicans, which can be transmitted between mother and child during breastfeeding. The key instruction for the caregiver is that the breastfeeding mother may also need treatment to prevent reinfection, as Candida can persist on the mother's nipples. This addresses the infection's source comprehensively. Giving medication before feeding may reduce efficacy as milk washes it away too quickly. Water beforehand isn't necessary and could dilute the dose. Using a cotton swab is a technique but not the priority instruction compared to preventing recurrence. Since the correct answer includes multiple options (3, 5), and choice D aligns with the critical need to treat the mother, it's the focus here for its systemic impact on treatment success.
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
The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client with heart failure. The client's heart rate is 58 beats per minute. What is the nurse's best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digoxin slows heart rate via vagal stimulation, treating heart failure but risking bradycardia if the rate drops too low. A heart rate of 58 bpm is below the typical threshold (60 bpm) for holding digoxin, indicating potential toxicity or excessive effect, especially in heart failure where compensatory tachycardia may mask issues. Holding the dose and notifying the physician allows reassessment of digoxin levels or need for adjustment, prioritizing safety. Administering as ordered risks worsening bradycardia, potentially leading to hemodynamic instability. Half-dosing lacks protocol support and delays medical input. Blood pressure informs but doesn't address the primary concern. Holding and notifying aligns with nursing judgment and digoxin's narrow therapeutic index, making B the best action to prevent adverse outcomes.