ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology 2016 Practice Exam A Questions
Question 1 of 5
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer heparin 15,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hr. The amount available is heparin injection 20,000 units/mL. How many mL should the healthcare professional administer per dose?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this pharmacology question, the correct answer is A) 0.8 mL. To determine this, the healthcare professional needs to calculate the volume of heparin needed to administer 15,000 units, knowing that the concentration is 20,000 units/mL. The correct calculation is: 15,000 units ÷ 20,000 units/mL = 0.75 mL However, since the available concentration is 20,000 units/mL, the healthcare professional needs to round up to the nearest available volume increment, which is 0.8 mL in this case. Option B) 0.75 mL is the calculated exact volume needed, but in practice, it should be rounded up to ensure the full dose is administered. Option C) 0.5 mL is too low and would not provide the required dose. Option D) 1 mL is too high and would result in administering more heparin than necessary, potentially leading to adverse effects. Understanding dosage calculations is crucial in pharmacology to ensure accurate medication administration and patient safety. Healthcare professionals must be proficient in these calculations to provide effective care to patients.
Question 2 of 5
A patient on a medical-surgical unit administers a hypnotic medication to an older adult client at 2100. The next morning, the client is drowsy and wants to sleep instead of eating breakfast. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a possible reason for the client's drowsiness?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Reduced hepatic function. The drowsiness experienced by the older adult client can be attributed to reduced hepatic function, which leads to decreased metabolism and clearance of medications from the body. Hypnotic medications, such as sedatives and sleep aids, are metabolized in the liver, and in individuals with reduced hepatic function, these drugs can accumulate in the body, leading to prolonged sedative effects. Option A) Reduced cardiac function is not directly related to the drowsiness caused by the hypnotic medication. Cardiac function primarily affects blood circulation, not the metabolism of drugs. Option B) First-pass effect refers to the initial metabolism of a drug in the liver before it reaches systemic circulation. While it is a relevant pharmacokinetic concept, it is not the primary reason for the client's drowsiness in this case. Option D) Increased gastric motility would not typically result in drowsiness. Gastric motility relates to the movement of food through the digestive system and is not directly linked to the sedative effects of hypnotic medications. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering age-related changes in pharmacokinetics, particularly hepatic function, when administering medications to older adults. It underscores the need for nurses to be aware of how age-related physiological changes can impact medication responses and side effects in this population.
Question 3 of 5
A client has been prescribed Phenelzine for depression. Which of the following indicates that the client has developed an adverse effect of this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension is a known adverse effect of Phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used for depression. It is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, leading to symptoms like dizziness or fainting. Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is crucial during Phenelzine therapy to prevent complications.
Question 4 of 5
A healthcare provider is assessing a client who takes Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar disorder. The provider should recognize which of the following findings as a possible indication of toxicity to this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Coarse tremors. Lithium carbonate is a mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Coarse tremors are a classic sign of lithium toxicity. Tremors are one of the early signs of lithium toxicity and can progress to more severe symptoms if left untreated. Option A) Severe hypertension is not typically associated with lithium toxicity. In fact, lithium is known to cause renal side effects rather than cardiovascular effects. Option C) Constipation is not a common symptom of lithium toxicity. Gastrointestinal disturbances are not typically associated with lithium toxicity. Option D) Muscle spasm is not a specific sign of lithium toxicity. While muscle weakness can occur in severe cases of toxicity, muscle spasm is not a primary indicator. In an educational context, understanding the signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure the safe and effective management of patients taking this medication. Regular monitoring of lithium levels and awareness of potential toxicities are essential components of caring for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Question 5 of 5
When teaching the parents of a child who has a new prescription for Desipramine, which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the parents is the priority to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority adverse effect to report when a child is taking Desipramine is suicidal thoughts. Desipramine can lead to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The nurse should emphasize to the parents the importance of monitoring the child for any signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation. Prompt reporting of such symptoms can help prevent harm to the child.