ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drugs Pharmacology NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil). Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to a nurse that the discharge teaching about this medication has been successful? (Select the one tha does not apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) “I’m going to miss my caffeinated coffee in the morning.” This statement indicates successful teaching about phenelzine (Nardil) because it is an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) that interacts with tyramine-containing foods like caffeinated beverages, potentially leading to hypertensive crisis. Option A is incorrect because informing the surgeon about Nardil is crucial but does not specifically relate to patient education about dietary restrictions. Option B is incorrect as it correctly identifies the need to avoid red wine due to its tyramine content. Option C is incorrect as it highlights the importance of reading food and medication labels to avoid tyramine-rich foods, aligning with the medication teaching. In an educational context, understanding dietary restrictions with MAOIs is essential to prevent adverse drug reactions. Teaching patients about these restrictions can prevent potentially life-threatening complications, making it a critical aspect of pharmacological education for healthcare professionals and patients.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a child who is experiencing depression. Which medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology for treating depression in children and adolescents, the correct answer is D) Fluoxetine (Prozac). Fluoxetine is the only medication approved by the FDA for use in children and adolescents for the treatment of depression. It belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and has been found to be effective and safe in this population. Option A) Paroxetine (Paxil), Option B) Sertraline (Zoloft), and Option C) Citalopram (Celexa) are also SSRIs commonly used to treat depression in adults. However, they are not FDA-approved for use in children and adolescents for depression treatment. It is important to note that prescribing medications off-label, especially in pediatric populations, should be done with caution and close monitoring due to potential risks and lack of extensive research data in this age group. Educationally, understanding the FDA-approved medications for specific age groups is crucial for healthcare providers, especially when caring for pediatric patients. Knowledge of appropriate medications based on age-specific guidelines ensures safe and effective treatment practices, minimizing the risk of adverse effects and promoting optimal patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
According to McKim (in “Dependence, addiction, and the self-administration of drugs”), the ‘priming effect’ of drugs is when:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Exposure to a drug that they were previously addicted to can easily trigger a relapse in addiction for abstinent former addicts. This is because the 'priming effect' refers to the phenomenon where even a small exposure to the drug can activate the brain's reward system, leading to intense cravings and potentially triggering a relapse in individuals with a history of addiction. Option B is incorrect because while stressful stimuli can indeed contribute to relapse in addiction, the priming effect specifically pertains to exposure to the drug itself, not just stress. Option C is also incorrect because while stimuli associated with drug delivery can trigger cravings and potentially lead to relapse, the priming effect is more directly related to the drug's pharmacological action on the brain rather than external cues. Understanding the concept of the priming effect is crucial in pharmacology and addiction studies as it highlights the persistent nature of drug addiction and the importance of avoiding even small doses of addictive substances to prevent relapse. Educating healthcare professionals about these mechanisms is essential for effective treatment and support for individuals recovering from addiction.
Question 4 of 5
Which medication would the nurse expect to administer when observing that a patient is fidgety, demonstrates motor restlessness, and jiggles both legs when asked to sit down?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: By blocking dopamine, antipsychotic medications produce extrapyramidal side effects. Akathisia is internal or external restless fidgeting or pacing. Patients with akathisia demonstrate motoric restlessness and complain of feeling their muscles quiver. When this condition has advanced, the patient will say that he or she is not able to sit still or lie down quietly. The nurse will want to observe whether the patient’s legs are shaking. If the patient’s feet are not shaking, the nurse will observe that his or her arms will start to shake. The therapeutic treatment is the administration of anticholinergic agents, such as benztropine (Cogentin), trihexyphenidyl (Artane), or procyclidine (Kemadrin). Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine, also may be administered. The other three medication selections are antipsychotic agents: Zyprexa, an atypical antipsychotic; Moban, an antipsychotic (dihydroindolone); and Mellaril (phenothiazine), a typical antipsychotic.
Question 5 of 5
At admission, the nurse learns that some time ago the client had an infarct in the right motor cortex. During assessment, the nurse would expect to find that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The motor cortex controls voluntary motor activity. However, decussation occurs at the intersection of the medulla and spinal cord, explaining why the right motor cortex actually controls voluntary motor activity on the left side of the body. 3. These functions are attributed to the association cortex. 4. Broca’s area controls motor speech.