ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Across the Lifespan Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 50-year-old male with chronic hypertension is prescribed clonidine. Clonidine works by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that inhibits the release of norepinephrine in the brainstem. By activating alpha-2 receptors, it reduces sympathetic outflow from the CNS, leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance and heart rate. This mechanism helps in lowering blood pressure. Summary of other choices: B: Blocking calcium channels would be a mechanism of action for calcium channel blockers, not clonidine. C: Stimulating beta-1 receptors in the heart would increase heart rate and contractility, opposite to clonidine's effects. D: Inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme is a mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors, not clonidine.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a common side effect of using corticosteroids for long-term therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroids can lead to increased blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing insulin sensitivity. This can result in hyperglycemia over time. Weight loss (B) is not a common side effect of corticosteroids; in fact, weight gain is more common. Hypotension (C) is not typically associated with corticosteroid use, as they can actually lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Hypertension (D) is a potential side effect of corticosteroids due to sodium and water retention, but it is less common than hyperglycemia.
Question 3 of 5
A 65-year-old female with hypertension and diabetes is prescribed amlodipine. Amlodipine works by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that specifically targets L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. By blocking these channels, amlodjsonline reduces the influx of calcium ions, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral vascular resistance, which ultimately lowers blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because amlodipine does not inhibit the synthesis of angiotensin II, inhibit sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, or block beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is a common use for diuretics?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diuretics are commonly used to reduce fluid retention in conditions like heart failure by increasing urine output. This helps decrease edema and reduce the workload on the heart. Other choices are incorrect: A is treated with lipid-lowering medications, C with sleep aids, and D with antidiabetic drugs.
Question 5 of 5
Which side effect is commonly associated with albuterol use?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tachycardia. Albuterol is a beta2-adrenergic agonist that primarily acts on beta2 receptors in the lungs to cause bronchodilation. However, it can also stimulate beta1 receptors in the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia). This is a commonly observed side effect of albuterol use. Bradycardia (A) is not typically associated with albuterol use due to its beta-adreergic agonist activity. Weight gain (C) is not a common side effect of albuterol and is more commonly associated with other medications. Hypoglycemia (D) is not a typical side effect of albuterol use, as it does not directly affect blood sugar levels.