ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 75-year-old male patient was admitted to the unit with angina. He was started on nadolol (Corgard). The patient asks why he is taking this medication because he does not have high blood pressure. What is the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased heart rate, contractility, and excitability, as well as a membrane-stabilizing effect, lead to a decrease in arrhythmias, a decreased cardiac workload, and decreased oxygen consumption. The juxtaglomerular cells are not stimulated to release renin, which further decreases the blood pressure. These effects are useful in treating hypertension and chronic angina and can help to prevent reinfarction after a myocardial infarction by decreasing cardiac workload and oxygen consumption. Corgard will not prevent blood pressure problems, arrhythmias, or glaucoma in the future. Corgard is not used to treat BPH.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client receiving gentamicin (Garamycin) IV. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for most closely?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside, treats severe infections but is ototoxic, risking hearing loss via cochlear damage, a serious, potentially irreversible effect. The nurse must monitor closely (e.g., assess for tinnitus, vertigo) to catch it early, prompting discontinuation. Rash suggests allergy but is less frequent and manageable. Nausea and diarrhea occur but are transient and less critical than auditory damage. Gentamicin's narrow therapeutic index and accumulation in inner ear tissues make ototoxicity the priority, especially with IV dosing where levels peak. Early detection prevents permanent disability, aligning with vigilant nursing care for nephrotoxic and ototoxic drugs, making C the adverse effect to watch most closely.
Question 3 of 5
A 62-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, renal impairment (creatinine 146 μmol/L) and mild congestive cardiac failure has poor diabetic control (HbA1c = 10.5 per cent), despite treatment with maximum doses of a sulfonylurea. Her body mass index (BMI) is 26. Which of the following would be most appropriate pharmacotherapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Poor glycemic control (HbA1c 10.5%) despite max sulfonylurea in type 2 diabetes with renal impairment and CHF needs escalation. Insulin replaces sulfonylurea, offering precise control without renal clearance issues, most appropriate here. Rosiglitazone risks fluid retention, worsening CHF. Bisoprolol, a beta-blocker, and rimonabant (withdrawn) don't address glycemia. Metformin is contraindicated with creatinine 146 μmol/L (eGFR <30-45) due to lactic acidosis risk. Insulin's flexibility and safety in this complex case optimize outcomes, critical for reducing complications.
Question 4 of 5
Epinephrine is administered to a female patient. The nurse should expect this agent to rapidly affect:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Epinephrine is a potent agonist of adrenergic receptors, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. It rapidly affects alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, and bronchodilation. Muscarinic and cholinergic receptors are part of the parasympathetic nervous system and are not directly activated by epinephrine. Nicotinic receptors are found in the neuromuscular junction and autonomic ganglia but are not the primary target of epinephrine. The rapid action of epinephrine makes it a critical drug in emergencies such as anaphylaxis.
Question 5 of 5
When should a patient taking omeprazole be administered the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor commonly used to treat conditions such as acid reflux and ulcers. It is typically recommended to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. This is because omeprazole works best when the stomach is empty to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Taking omeprazole with food or at other times of the day may reduce its potency and could lead to suboptimal results in managing the patient's condition.