ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology 2016 Practice Exam A Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has a new prescription for transdermal patches. Which statement should the client make to indicate understanding of the instructions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding how to properly apply transdermal patches is crucial for therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. The correct answer, option C, "I will apply the patch to an area of skin with no hair," is the most appropriate because hair can interfere with proper adhesion and absorption of the medication. Placing the patch on a hairless area ensures better contact with the skin and optimal drug delivery. Option A, cleaning the site with an alcohol swab before applying the patch, is incorrect because alcohol can irritate the skin and affect patch adherence. Option B, rotating application sites weekly, is incorrect as it is a recommendation for preventing skin irritation and not a statement indicating understanding of patch application. Option D, placing the new patch on the site of the old patch, is incorrect as it can lead to skin irritation and uneven drug absorption. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of proper transdermal patch application to achieve therapeutic outcomes. It highlights the need for patients to understand key instructions to ensure safe and effective medication delivery through transdermal routes. Understanding these principles is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to educate patients on medication administration methods accurately.
Question 2 of 5
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer heparin 15,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours. The available heparin injection is 20,000 units/mL. How many milliliters should the healthcare professional administer per dose?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) 0.8 mL. To determine this, we first need to calculate the amount of heparin needed for each dose. The prescribed dose is 15,000 units, and the concentration of the available heparin injection is 20,000 units/mL. Therefore, we can set up a proportion: 15,000 units = x mL 20,000 units Cross multiplying gives us: 20,000x = 15,000 x = 15,000 / 20,000 x = 0.75 mL However, since the available injection is in 20,000 units/mL, we need to round up to the nearest practical measurement, which is 0.8 mL. Option B) 0.75 mL is incorrect because it is the exact calculated dose but not rounded up for practical administration. Option C) 0.5 mL is too low and would result in underdosing the patient. Option D) 1 mL is too high and would result in overdosing the patient. This question not only tests medication calculation skills but also emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring doses to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. It highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be precise in their calculations and administration of medications to prevent adverse effects.
Question 3 of 5
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an IM dose of penicillin to a client who has a new prescription. The client states she took penicillin 3 years ago and developed a rash. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The healthcare professional should withhold the medication and notify the provider of the client's previous reaction to penicillin. This information is crucial for the provider to prescribe an alternative antibiotic. Allergic reactions to penicillin can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis, so prior sensitization should be reported to the provider to avoid potential adverse reactions.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit administers a hypnotic medication to an older adult client at 2100. The next morning, the client is drowsy and wants to sleep instead of eating breakfast. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a possible reason for the client's drowsiness?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In older adults, reduced hepatic function can lead to prolonged effects of medications metabolized by the liver. This situation can result in increased drug levels in the body, causing drowsiness and other side effects. Adjusting the dosage of the hypnotic medication may be necessary to prevent such adverse effects in older adult clients.
Question 5 of 5
A client has a new prescription for Phenelzine for the treatment of depression. Which of the following indicates that the client has developed an adverse effect of this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Orthostatic hypotension. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) commonly used to treat depression. Orthostatic hypotension is a known adverse effect of MAOIs, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, such as standing up from a sitting or lying down position. This occurs due to the vasodilatory effects of MAOIs, leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not typically associated with Phenelzine use. Hearing loss is not a common adverse effect of MAOIs. Gastrointestinal bleeding is more commonly associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anticoagulants, not MAOIs. Weight loss is also not a typical adverse effect of Phenelzine; in fact, weight gain is more commonly observed with the use of MAOIs. Educationally, understanding the adverse effects of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. By knowing the potential side effects of medications like Phenelzine, healthcare providers can monitor patients for signs and symptoms, intervene promptly, and ensure optimal medication management to improve patient outcomes.