ATI RN
Pharmacology Assessment 2 ATI Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed theophylline. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Theophylline, a bronchodilator, treats COPD but has a narrow therapeutic range (10-20 mcg/mL). Monitoring theophylline levels prevents toxicity (e.g., seizures, tachycardia) or subtherapeutic dosing, ensuring efficacy. Sodium , glucose , and platelets aren't directly impacted. Blood level checks align with theophylline's pharmacokinetics'hepatic metabolism, variable clearance'critical in COPD where respiratory support hinges on precision. This focus prevents adverse outcomes, making A the key value to monitor for safe, effective therapy.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse notes in the patient™s medication orders that the patient will be starting anticoagulant therapy. What is the primary goal of anticoagulant therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of anticoagulant therapy is to prevent the formation of blood clots or thrombus. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the coagulation cascade, which ultimately prevents the blood from clotting too easily. By preventing the formation of clots, anticoagulant therapy helps reduce the risk of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack, which are all associated with blood clot formation. Anticoagulant therapy does not stabilize or dissolve existing clots but rather focuses on preventing new clots from forming. Dilating the vessel around a clot is not the primary purpose of anticoagulant therapy.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication to this patient to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparin is commonly administered to postoperative patients to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow. This medication works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. It is considered safer and more effective than unfractionated heparin in preventing venous thromboembolism in surgical patients. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet medications that are more commonly used for preventing arterial thrombosis rather than venous thrombosis. Alteplase is a thrombolytic medication used to dissolve existing blood clots, rather than prevent their formation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient wants to take garlic tablets to improve his cholesterol levels. Which condition would be a contraindication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Scheduled surgery would be a contraindication for taking garlic tablets because garlic has blood-thinning properties that could potentially increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. This can interfere with the blood's ability to clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding and other complications during the surgical procedure. It is important to inform healthcare providers about all supplements being taken, including garlic tablets, before undergoing any surgery to ensure patient safety.
Question 5 of 5
What are the drug natural interactions for phenytoin?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: St. John's Wort is known to interact with phenytoin, a drug commonly used to treat seizures. St. John's Wort can decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin by increasing its metabolism in the liver. This interaction can lead to lower levels of phenytoin in the bloodstream, potentially reducing its therapeutic effects and increasing the risk of seizure recurrence. It is important for individuals taking phenytoin to avoid using St. John's Wort to prevent this drug interaction.