ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Exam Practice Questions
Question 1 of 9
A healthcare professional is about to administer Propranolol to a patient. The healthcare professional takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bpm. How should the healthcare professional proceed?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient's apical pulse is 58 bpm, it is below the normal range. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further lower the heart rate. Therefore, it is crucial to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider to evaluate the patient's condition. Administering Propranolol in this situation can exacerbate bradycardia, leading to serious complications. Choosing to administer the medication as prescribed (Choice A) can put the patient at risk. Administering half of the normal dose (Choice B) without healthcare provider guidance is not appropriate in this case. Considering the extended-release form of the medication (Choice C) does not address the immediate concern of bradycardia and is not the best course of action.
Question 2 of 9
A 55-year-old man with a 40 pack-year history of smoking develops agranulocytosis and some leukemic features. His physical examination of the heart, lungs, and abdomen are within normal limits. Should this disease relate to a potential toxic exposure, which of the following should be considered most likely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Agranulocytosis and leukemic features in a smoker suggest benzene exposure. Benzene, in tobacco smoke, causes bone marrow toxicity. Ethylene alcohol , carbon tetrachloride , methanol , and toluene (E) don't link to leukemia. Benzene's carcinogenicity fits this profile.
Question 3 of 9
A client has a new prescription for Alendronate to treat osteoporosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction is to take Alendronate with a full glass of water after rising in the morning. This helps reduce the risk of esophageal irritation, as the medication can cause irritation if not taken correctly. Taking it before bedtime (choice C) can increase the risk of irritation as the individual lies down. Lying down after taking the medication (choice B) can also lead to esophageal irritation. Crushing the tablet (choice D) is not recommended as Alendronate should be taken whole with a full glass of water.
Question 4 of 9
The client tells the nurse that her symptoms have become worse since she has been using oxymetazoline (Afrin) for nasal congestion. What is the best assessment question for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxymetazoline, a nasal decongestant, can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used beyond 3-5 days, worsening symptoms due to vascular dependence. The best assessment question is how long the client has used it, as prolonged use is the likely culprit, guiding the nurse to educate on discontinuation or seek medical advice. The bottle's age might affect potency but isn't the primary concern for worsening symptoms. Temperature checks for infection, a secondary issue here. Other inhaled medications could interact but don't directly explain rebound effects. The nurse prioritizes duration to pinpoint misuse, a common issue with topical decongestants, making choice D critical for accurate assessment and intervention.
Question 5 of 9
A client is starting a new prescription for enalapril. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting enalapril is to avoid salt substitutes. Salt substitutes may contain potassium, which could lead to elevated potassium levels when combined with enalapril, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no specific need to take enalapril with food, rise slowly from a sitting position, or avoid exposure to sunlight when taking this medication.
Question 6 of 9
A client has a new prescription for Verapamil to treat angina. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can cause peripheral edema due to vasodilation. Clients should monitor for this adverse effect characterized by swelling in the extremities. Muscle pain (choice A) is not a common adverse effect of Verapamil. Dry cough (choice B) is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. Increased urination (choice D) is not a typical adverse effect of Verapamil. Therefore, the correct answer is monitoring for peripheral edema.
Question 7 of 9
A client has a new prescription for Atenolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly.' Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. Patients should monitor their blood pressure and heart rate regularly to assess the medication's effectiveness and check for adverse effects like bradycardia or hypotension. Choice A is incorrect because Atenolol should not be taken with grapefruit juice, which can interfere with its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because Atenolol typically causes a decrease in heart rate, not a rapid heart rate. Choice D is incorrect because there is no specific need to increase potassium-rich foods while taking Atenolol.
Question 8 of 9
A client has a new prescription for Sucralfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include for a client prescribed Sucralfate is to take the medication on an empty stomach. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers, which is most effective when the stomach is empty. Taking it with food or other medications may decrease its effectiveness. Instructing the client to take Sucralfate on an empty stomach helps ensure optimal therapeutic benefits. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing high-sodium foods is not related to Sucralfate therapy, taking the medication with a full glass of milk is not recommended as it may decrease its effectiveness, and the presence of black and tarry stools is not an expected outcome of Sucralfate.
Question 9 of 9
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer Enoxaparin to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously at a 45- to 90-degree angle. This angle ensures proper delivery of the medication. Massaging the injection site should be avoided to prevent bruising and possible tissue damage. Aspiration is not required for subcutaneous injections like Enoxaparin. Therefore, the correct action for administering Enoxaparin is to insert the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle.