ATI RN
Cardiovascular Pharmacology Drug Class Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety. What client history should cause a nurse to question this order?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: History of alcohol use disorder. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, which can interact with alcohol, leading to respiratory depression and increased sedation. A history of alcohol use disorder suggests a potential for misuse or overdose. Choices B, C, and D do not directly contraindicate the use of alprazolam for acute anxiety.
Question 2 of 5
Sertraline (Zoloft) has been prescribed for a client complaining of poor appetite, fatigue, and anhedonia. Which consideration should the nurse recognize as influencing this prescriptive choice?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Zoloft has less adverse side effects than other antidepressants. This is because Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) known for having a favorable side effect profile compared to other antidepressants. SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and have fewer side effects such as sedation, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. This makes Zoloft a suitable choice for clients experiencing poor appetite and fatigue. A: Zoloft being less expensive is not a primary consideration when choosing an antidepressant for a client as efficacy and side effect profile are more crucial. B: Zoloft is not extremely sedating, so it may not be the best choice for addressing sleep disturbances. D: While Zoloft may start to improve depressive symptoms relatively quickly, this is not the main influencing factor in this prescriptive choice.
Question 3 of 5
Anjalee Cohen’s research (as discussed by Paul Cohen) on methamphetamine use in Thailand shows that while methamphetamine used to be regarded as a performance-enhancing drug used by workers (a ‘drug of diligence’), it has recently come to be portrayed as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because Anjalee Cohen's research highlights the shift in perception of methamphetamine from being a 'drug of diligence' to one that causes users to become crazed and violent. This shift is supported by evidence showing the negative effects of methamphetamine on behavior, leading to erratic and violent tendencies. Choice A is incorrect as it does not align with the research findings discussed. Choice B is incorrect as it does not reflect the current portrayal of methamphetamine in Thailand as discussed in the research. Choice C is incorrect as sexual risk-taking is not the primary focus of the research findings.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse observes a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tapping both feet, smacking both lips, and making contorted faces while speaking to another patient. These behaviors prompt the nurse to suspect the patient is experiencing:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as lip smacking, facial grimacing, and tapping feet. These symptoms are often seen in patients on long-term antipsychotic medications, like those used to treat schizophrenia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (choice A) presents with fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. Parkinson syndrome (choice B) is characterized by tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Torticollis (choice D) is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn to one side.
Question 5 of 5
The physician tells the nurse, 'The medication I’m prescribing for the client enhances the GABA system.' Evaluation will be facilitated if the nurse correctly interprets this statement to mean the medication is expected to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decrease anxiety. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and stress. Enhancing the GABA system means increasing its activity, which would result in a calming effect, reducing anxiety. A: Increasing alertness is unlikely because GABA is associated with relaxation, not alertness. C: GABA's role is not primarily in reducing hallucinations. D: While GABA may indirectly influence mood, its primary role is in anxiety regulation.