ATI RN
Pharmacology Across the Lifespan ATI Questions
Question 1 of 4
A 48-year-old woman with a history of chronic migraine headaches has failed therapy with conservative measures and ibuprofen. Her primary care physician begins treatment with ergotamine. Important adverse reactions to be aware of include which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Cold extremities. Ergotamine is a medication commonly used to treat migraines by constricting blood vessels in the brain. Cold extremities are a common adverse reaction because the medication's vasoconstrictive effect can reduce blood flow to the peripheries, leading to a sensation of coldness in the extremities. Option B) Diarrhea is incorrect because ergotamine's primary side effects are related to its vasoconstrictive properties, not gastrointestinal effects like diarrhea. Option C) Improved muscle strength is incorrect as ergotamine does not directly affect muscle strength. This distractor is unrelated to the medication's mechanism of action or known side effects. Option D) Skin dryness is incorrect as this is not a common adverse reaction associated with ergotamine use. Skin dryness is not a typical side effect of vasoconstrictive medications like ergotamine. In an educational context, understanding the side effects of medications like ergotamine is crucial for healthcare providers managing patients with migraines. Being able to recognize and anticipate potential adverse reactions can help in monitoring patients for safety and efficacy of treatment. Educating healthcare professionals about the specific side effects of medications used in different patient populations is essential for safe and effective pharmacological management.
Question 2 of 4
A 42-year-old woman who is a chemist is brought to the emergency department because of a 1-hour history of severe abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, sweating, and difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm and congestion. Exposure to which of the following is most likely?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: These symptoms (abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, sweating, bronchospasm) suggest cholinergic toxicity from an organophosphate like isoflurophate (DFP, C), an irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor. As a chemist, she could have been exposeAcrylamide causes neurotoxicity, cyanogen bromide cyanide poisoning (tachycardia, not bradycardia), phentolamine alpha-blockade (hypotension without bronchospasm), and propranolol (E) beta-blockade (bradycardia without cholinergic signs)—none match this full picture.
Question 3 of 4
A patient requires a high dose of a new antihypertensive medication because the new medication has a significant first-pass effect. What does this mean?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A significant first-pass effect means the medication is extensively metabolized in the liver after oral administration, reducing its bioavailability. This requires a higher dose to achieve therapeutic levels. Choice misinterprets circulation, refers to renal excretion (not first-pass), and suggests tolerance, which isn’t the same phenomenon.
Question 4 of 4
A patient has an order for metoprolol. Prior to medication administration, what does the nurse need to assess?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Assessing heart rate is critical before administration; if <50-60 bpm (depending on protocol), the dose may be held to avoid bradycardiRespirations and O2 saturation are relevant for respiratory drugs, temperature is unrelateNote: Answer key says (b), but is correct per nursing standards.