ATI LPN
LPN Pharmacology Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client has a new prescription for verapamil. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to monitor their heart rate daily when taking verapamil. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can cause bradycardia, making it crucial to monitor the heart rate regularly to detect any changes promptly. Choice B, taking the medication at bedtime, is not specifically related to verapamil administration. Choice C, avoiding grapefruit juice, is more relevant to medications metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, not verapamil. Choice D, taking the medication with food, is not a specific instruction for verapamil, as it can be taken with or without food.
Question 2 of 9
An NP learns that a 90-year-old patient is chronically constipated and has frequent problems with acid reflux. The NP notes a weight loss of 20 pounds in the previous 6 months. Which of the following drugs that this patient is taking is cause for concern?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because naproxen, highly protein-bound, can become toxic with low albumin from malnutrition, as seen in this patient’s weight loss. Choice A is incorrect as quinidine isn’t primarily protein-bound related. Choice C is wrong since calcium citrate isn’t affected this way. Choice D is inaccurate as calcium channel blockers have different concerns.
Question 3 of 9
A patient will begin taking two drugs that are both protein-bound. The primary care NP should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because protein-bound drugs compete for albumin, requiring monitoring to adjust dosing. Choice A is incorrect as increasing doses without monitoring is risky. Choice C is wrong since dietary protein doesn’t affect this. Choice D is inaccurate as staggering doesn’t resolve binding issues.
Question 4 of 9
Patient education regarding prescribed medication includes:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because educating patients about expected adverse reactions prepares them to manage side effects and seek help if needed, enhancing safety and adherence. Choice A is incorrect as reading level should match the patient's, not a fixed standard. Choice C is wrong because storing leftovers encourages misuse—antibiotics should be completed. Choice D is incorrect since language should suit the patient, not always English.
Question 5 of 9
In every state, prescriptive authority for NPs includes the ability to write prescriptions:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because all states grant NPs some prescriptive authority, but it’s often limited to specific drug classes. Choice A is incorrect as not all states allow controlled substances. Choice C is wrong since physician involvement is required in many states. Choice D is inaccurate as full independence isn’t universal.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking hydrocodone. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory depression. Hydrocodone is an opioid medication that can cause respiratory depression, a serious side effect that should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider. Constipation, sedation, and dry mouth are common side effects of hydrocodone but are not as concerning as respiratory depression. Constipation can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sedation may improve with time or dosage adjustments, and dry mouth is a common and usually benign side effect.
Question 7 of 9
An NP prescribes an oral elixir medication for a child who is to take 1 tsp PO bid. When counseling the child's parents about administering this drug, the NP should tell them to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a syringe ensures accurate dosing (teaspoons vary 2.5-7.8 mL). Choice A is incorrect (elixirs don’t need shaking). Choice B is wrong (mixing risks incomplete dosing). Choice C is inaccurate (empty stomach isn’t required).
Question 8 of 9
A patient has been taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for 14 days. The patient calls the primary care nurse practitioner (NP) to report fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes. The NP should suspect:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because serum sickness (fever, rash, lymphadenopathy) occurs days to weeks after TMP/SMX. Choice B is incorrect (immediate within 30 minutes). Choice C is wrong (blood-related, 7-14 days). Choice D is inaccurate (rash syndromes, 48-72 hours).
Question 9 of 9
Management of tolerance includes:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is correct because increasing doses (short-term fix), switching drugs (new mechanism), and drug holidays (reset sensitivity) all manage tolerance, per clinical strategies. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one method. Choice B is wrong by itself because switching is just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since holidays are only one option.