ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is receiving chemotherapy and has a prescription for ondansetron IV for nausea and vomiting. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of a client receiving chemotherapy and being prescribed ondansetron IV for nausea and vomiting, the nurse should monitor for tremors as an adverse effect. Ondansetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Tremors can be a potential side effect due to its action on neurotransmitter pathways in the brain. Option A, hypotension, is less likely with ondansetron as it is not known to significantly affect blood pressure. Option B, bradycardia, is also less common with ondansetron compared to other antiemetic medications. Option D, urinary retention, is not typically associated with ondansetron use. Educationally, understanding the potential adverse effects of medications used in specific clinical situations is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Monitoring for and recognizing these adverse effects promptly can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. In the case of chemotherapy patients, managing nausea and vomiting effectively can significantly impact their quality of life during treatment.
Question 2 of 5
A client has a prescription for digoxin. The client should be monitored for which of the following findings as an indication of digoxin toxicity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pharmacology, monitoring for signs of digoxin toxicity is crucial for client safety. The correct answer is A) Visual disturbances. Digoxin toxicity often presents with visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos around objects due to its effect on the optic nerve. This is a classic indicator of digoxin toxicity. Option B) Tachycardia is incorrect because digoxin toxicity typically presents with bradycardia, not tachycardia. Digoxin slows the heart rate, so an increase in heart rate would be an atypical finding. Option C) Increased appetite is incorrect because it is not a typical symptom of digoxin toxicity. In fact, anorexia or decreased appetite is more common with digoxin toxicity due to its effects on the gastrointestinal system. Option D) Constipation is incorrect as well. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea rather than constipation. Educationally, understanding the manifestations of digoxin toxicity is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure early detection and intervention. This knowledge helps in preventing serious complications and providing safe and effective care to clients receiving digoxin therapy.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is receiving spironolactone for heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, can lead to hyperkalemia due to its mechanism of action. Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, can result in serious cardiac complications and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should promptly report any signs or symptoms of hyperkalemia to prevent potential adverse outcomes in the patient.
Question 4 of 5
When educating a client starting a new prescription for simvastatin, which instruction should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In educating a client starting a new prescription for simvastatin, it is crucial to emphasize reporting any muscle pain immediately (Option B). This instruction is essential because simvastatin, as a statin medication, can rarely cause a serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine. Early detection and management of this adverse effect are vital to prevent serious complications. Option A (Take the medication in the morning) is incorrect because the timing of simvastatin administration is not as critical as adherence to the prescribed schedule. However, some healthcare providers may recommend taking it in the evening based on individual patient factors. Option C (Avoid taking the medication with grapefruit juice) is generally a good practice for certain medications, but it is not specifically related to simvastatin. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of some drugs but not usually with simvastatin. Option D (Take the medication at bedtime) is not the most critical instruction for a client starting simvastatin. While some providers do recommend taking statins in the evening based on their pharmacokinetics, the key focus should be on monitoring and reporting muscle pain promptly. Educationally, this rationale highlights the importance of recognizing and managing potential adverse effects of medications, emphasizing patient safety and adherence to instructions. It underscores the significance of patient education in promoting medication safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
A client with peptic ulcer disease is prescribed omeprazole. Which finding should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Relief of abdominal pain is a key indicator of omeprazole effectively treating peptic ulcer disease. Omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production, which helps alleviate abdominal pain associated with peptic ulcers. While relief of other symptoms like headache, nausea, and heartburn may also occur, the primary therapeutic goal of omeprazole in peptic ulcer disease is to reduce abdominal pain caused by gastric irritation.