ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drug Safety Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client asks the nurse, 'My wife has breast cancer. Could it be caused by too much stress?' The nurse responds with the knowledge that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is correct because stress does cause the release of factors like cortisol that suppress the immune system, potentially contributing to the development or progression of diseases like cancer. A is incorrect as stress doesn't directly cause all types of cancer. B is incorrect as research supports the link between stress and disease. D is incorrect as stress can impact the body's health.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) and a loop diuretic daily. When the nurse enters the room with the morning medications, the patient states, 'I am seeing a funny yellow color around the lights.' What is the nurse’s next action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Recognize the patient's complaint of seeing a yellow color as a common symptom of digoxin toxicity. Step 2: Assess the patient for other symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, or vision changes. Step 3: Hold the digoxin dose and notify the healthcare provider if digoxin toxicity is suspected. Step 4: Monitor the patient closely for any worsening symptoms. Step 5: Document the assessment findings and actions taken. Summary of other choices: B: Withholding the diuretic does not address the potential digoxin toxicity. C: Administering both medications together could worsen the toxicity. D: Delaying action could lead to serious consequences of digoxin toxicity.
Question 3 of 5
When reviewing the mechanisms of action of diuretics, the nurse knows that which statement is true about loop diuretics?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Loop diuretics have a rapid onset of action and cause rapid diuresis. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, act on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney to inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption, leading to increased urine output. This mechanism results in a quick onset of action, typically within 30 minutes of administration, and a rapid diuretic effect. Choice A is incorrect because loop diuretics do not inhibit aldosterone; they primarily target sodium reabsorption. Choice B is incorrect as the duration of diuretic effect varies but is generally shorter than 6 hours. Choice D is incorrect as loop diuretics can still be effective even with reduced creatinine clearance levels.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has been receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for severe iron-deficiency anemia. Today, the provider changed the order to darbepoetin (Aranesp). The patient questions the nurse, “What is the difference in these drugs?” Which response by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “Aranesp is a longer-acting form, so you will receive fewer injections.” Rationale: 1. Darbepoetin (Aranesp) is a longer-acting form of erythropoietin compared to epoetin alfa (Epogen). 2. Due to its extended half-life, Aranesp requires less frequent dosing, leading to fewer injections for the patient. 3. This is beneficial for patient compliance and convenience, as they don't have to undergo frequent injections. 4. Choice A is incorrect because there is a difference between the two drugs in terms of pharmacokinetics. 5. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of action is not the primary difference between the two drugs. 6. Choice C is incorrect because Aranesp, like Epogen, is administered via injections, not orally.
Question 5 of 5
A competitive antagonist is a substance that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a competitive antagonist binds to the same receptor site as the agonist, thereby inhibiting the agonist response. This results in a decrease in the efficacy of the agonist without affecting its potency. Choice A is incorrect because a substance producing submaximal effects is a partial agonist, not a competitive antagonist. Choice C is incorrect as competitive antagonists specifically bind to receptor sites, not nonspecific sites. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a partial agonist, which can act as an agonist or antagonist depending on the receptor subtype.