ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with HIV is prescribed zidovudine (Retrovir). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Zidovudine, an antiretroviral, treats HIV but risks bone marrow suppression, causing anemia. Monitoring RBC count detects this, ensuring timely intervention (e.g., transfusion). Liver enzymes matter with other drugs. Potassium and glucose aren't primary concerns. RBC monitoring aligns with zidovudine's toxicity profile, critical in HIV where anemia impacts quality of life, making A the key value.
Question 2 of 5
The client has been prescribed the opioid combination drug Novahistine DM for control of cough. This drug contains codeine, phenylephrine, and chlorpheniramine. Which instructions should the nurse provide as part of medication education?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Novahistine DM combines codeine (antitussive), phenylephrine (decongestant), and chlorpheniramine (antihistamine), causing sedation and impaired judgment. 'Do not make important decisions or operate machinery' is critical, as codeine's CNS depression, amplified by chlorpheniramine, risks accidents (correct answers: 3, 4, 5). Water aids swallowing but isn't key. Bedside storage risks overuse. Adherence is vital but secondary to safety. Choice D prioritizes preventing harm.
Question 3 of 5
Phenobarbital (luminal) is given to a client for a short treatment of anxiety. Which of the following results would indicate a therapeutic serum range of the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic serum range for phenobarbital (luminal) when used for anxiety is typically between 5-10 mcg/ml. This range is considered effective in controlling anxiety symptoms while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Higher serum levels (options B, C, D) may increase the risk of adverse effects such as sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose. Therefore, monitoring the serum levels of phenobarbital is essential to ensure the medication is at a therapeutic range for the intended treatment.
Question 4 of 5
The patient has been taking lorazepam (Ativan) for 2 years. The patient stopped this medication after a neighbor said the drug manufacturer's plant was contaminated with rat droppings. What best describes the nurse's assessment of the patient when seen 3 days after stopping his medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abruptly stopping lorazepam, a benzo, after 2 years triggers withdrawal-tachycardia, fever, cramps-due to GABA downregulation, per pharmacology. It's not safe-dependence forms. Opioid-like symptoms (pupils, constipation) don't fit. Calmness contradicts withdrawal. These signs reflect cessation risk, needing taper.
Question 5 of 5
What is the therapeutic range for lithium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is generally considered to be 0.6-1.2 mmol/L (which is equivalent to 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). However, some sources may state a slightly wider range of 0.5-1.5 mEq/L. It is important to note that individual patient factors and clinical judgment should also be considered when interpreting lithium levels. Levels below the therapeutic range may be subtherapeutic and not provide the desired therapeutic effect, while levels above the range may result in toxicity and adverse effects. Monitoring lithium levels regularly is important to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range.