ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is starting a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and the prescription of furosemide, it is crucial for the nurse to include the instruction for the client to weigh themselves daily. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by increasing the elimination of water and electrolytes through the urine, which can lead to fluid loss and potential dehydration. Daily weight monitoring helps to track any sudden changes in weight, which could indicate fluid retention or loss and provide valuable information about the effectiveness and safety of the medication. Option B, limiting sodium intake, is a general dietary guideline that can be beneficial for overall health but is not directly related to furosemide therapy. While reducing sodium intake can help manage conditions like hypertension, it is not a specific instruction for a client starting furosemide. Option C, increasing potassium intake, is not recommended with furosemide therapy. Furosemide can cause potassium depletion (hypokalemia) as it increases the excretion of potassium in the urine. Therefore, advising the client to increase potassium intake could potentially worsen this electrolyte imbalance. Option D, avoiding potassium-rich foods, is also not the best instruction. While it is important to monitor potassium levels due to the potential for hypokalemia with furosemide, completely avoiding potassium-rich foods can lead to other nutritional deficiencies and is not the standard recommendation for clients on furosemide. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind each instruction is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to clients. By explaining the reasons behind the correct instruction and why the other options are not appropriate, nurses can enhance their pharmacological knowledge and make informed decisions when caring for clients on furosemide therapy.
Question 2 of 5
When caring for a client with a wound infection, which action should the nurse perform first in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority action when caring for a client with a wound infection is to obtain a wound specimen for culture before initiating antibiotic therapy. This step is crucial to identify the specific microorganism causing the infection, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment. Reviewing WBC laboratory findings and applying a wound dressing are important steps but come after obtaining a wound specimen for culture to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Question 3 of 5
A client informs the nurse that she has difficulty swallowing tablets and struggles with liquid or chewable medications due to taste. What medication should the nurse request a prescription for when preparing to administer Penicillin V to treat the client's streptococcal infection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should request a prescription for Nafcillin when preparing to administer Penicillin V to the client with difficulty swallowing tablets. Nafcillin is an injectable form of penicillin that can be given intravenously or intramuscularly, making it suitable for patients who have trouble with oral medications. It is important to note that Nafcillin is not typically used to treat streptococcal infections, but in cases where Penicillin V is indicated and the patient cannot take oral medications, Nafcillin may be a viable alternative. Regarding the other options: - A) Fosfomycin is not a suitable alternative for Penicillin V in treating streptococcal infections. - B) Amoxicillin, while another penicillin antibiotic, is also an oral medication and would not be appropriate for a patient with difficulty swallowing tablets. - D) Cefaclor is a cephalosporin antibiotic, not a penicillin, and is not the best choice for treating a streptococcal infection when Penicillin V is indicated. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering patient preferences and needs when selecting medications. Nurses should be aware of alternative dosage forms and routes of administration to ensure effective treatment while accommodating individual patient challenges.
Question 4 of 5
A healthcare provider is planning to administer Ciprofloxacin IV to a client who has cystitis. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ciprofloxacin should be infused over 60 minutes to minimize vein irritation and reduce the risk of adverse effects. Administering a concentrated solution can lead to vein irritation and potential complications. Infusing the solution through the primary IV fluid tubing can cause incompatibility issues. Choosing a small peripheral vein may not be suitable for administering Ciprofloxacin, which should be infused through a larger vein to prevent vein irritation and ensure a proper dilution of the medication.
Question 5 of 5
A client is taking Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor, to treat HIV infection. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Hyperlipidemia. Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor used in treating HIV infection, is known to cause dyslipidemia, particularly elevations in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Protease inhibitors like Ritonavir can lead to metabolic side effects, including changes in lipid metabolism, which can increase the risk of hyperlipidemia. Option A) Increased TSH level is incorrect because Ritonavir is not known to directly impact thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Option B) Decreased ALT level is incorrect as protease inhibitors are more likely to cause elevated liver enzymes rather than decreased levels. Option C) Hypoglycemia is also an incorrect option as Ritonavir is not typically associated with lowering blood sugar levels. Educationally, understanding the side effect profile of medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to clients. Monitoring for potential adverse effects, such as hyperlipidemia in this case, allows for early detection and intervention to prevent complications. Nurses must be well-versed in pharmacology to assess, educate, and advocate for their patients' well-being.