ATI RN
Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs Review Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client who has been hospitalized for mania in the past is laid off from her job. She becomes very depressed, refuses to look for another job, stays in her room, eats very little, and neglects her personal hygiene. The client is found unconscious, but still breathing, with an empty bottle of sertraline (Zoloftâ) beside her. She is stabilized in an emergency department and is then admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, current episode depressed. Which should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for the client in this scenario should be "C: Risk for suicide related to depressed mood." This is because the client's current state of depression, along with the attempted overdose of sertraline, indicates a significant risk of self-harm. Addressing this risk should be the primary focus to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because although the client is not eating much, the immediate concern is the risk of suicide rather than nutrition. Choice B is incorrect as the client's self-esteem is not the primary concern in this situation compared to the risk of self-harm. Choice D is incorrect as the client's symptoms are more indicative of a depressive episode rather than grief over job loss.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is taking a potassium-depleting diuretic and digoxin. The nurse expects that a low potassium level (hypokalemia) could have what effect on digoxin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hypokalemia can lead to increased sensitivity to digoxin, potentially causing digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels impair the function of the sodium-potassium pump, which is crucial for maintaining the appropriate intracellular sodium and potassium levels. This can result in increased binding of digoxin to sodium-potassium ATPase, leading to enhanced digoxin effects. Option B is incorrect because hypokalemia would not decrease digoxin sensitivity; in fact, it would likely increase sensitivity. Option C is incorrect as hypokalemia does have an effect on digoxin sensitivity. Option D is incorrect because hypokalemia does not cause a low-average serum digoxin sensitivity level; it actually increases sensitivity.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a long history of hypertension and diabetes now develops confusion. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer’s disease or multiple infarcts. Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Computed tomography (CT) scan. This diagnostic procedure is the most appropriate initial step in differentiating between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarcts in this case. A CT scan can help identify any structural changes in the brain, such as infarcts or areas of damage, which are more likely to be seen in multiple infarcts rather than Alzheimer's disease. It can also rule out other potential causes of the patient's confusion. Option A (EEG) is not the best choice as it primarily detects electrical activity in the brain and may not provide the structural information needed for this case. Option B (PET scan) is more useful for detecting metabolic changes in the brain and may not be the most appropriate initial test. Option D (SPECT scan) is similar to a PET scan and may not provide the structural details needed for this differential diagnosis. In summary, a CT scan is the most suitable initial diagnostic procedure in this scenario as it can
Question 4 of 5
A patient who is taking psychotropic medication is experiencing constipation. Which intervention would the nurse plan for the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because increasing water intake and consuming fiber-rich foods like green vegetables and bran can help alleviate constipation without the need for additional medication. Water helps soften stool, while fiber promotes bowel movement. Choice B lacks sufficient fiber intake and includes liver, which may not be well-tolerated by everyone. Choice C involves daily use of laxatives and stool softeners, which can lead to dependency and worsen constipation in the long run. Choice D suggests using a retention enema, which is an invasive intervention and should be reserved for severe cases.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is discouraged because his plan to reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia (apathy, avolition, inattentiveness, poor socialization, poor eye contact and flat affect, etc.) in a client is not working. The mentor’s remark that helps place the problem in perspective is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Negative symptoms have been associated with prefrontal cortical pathology." This is the most appropriate response because it provides a scientific explanation for the nurse's difficulty in reducing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia, such as apathy and inattentiveness, are believed to be related to dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Understanding this underlying pathology helps the nurse approach the situation with a more informed perspective. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the specific issue of negative symptoms in schizophrenia and does not provide any helpful insight for the nurse. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests a simplistic view of clients being stubborn, which does not consider the complex neurobiological factors at play in schizophrenia. Choice D is incorrect because while it acknowledges the role of psychosocial and environmental factors, it does not address the specific neuropathology associated with negative symptoms in schizophrenia.