ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Book Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male client has erectile dysfunction. Which systems should be assessed that could contribute to the erectile dysfunction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Erectile dysfunction (ED) often stems from cardiovascular issues, like atherosclerosis or hypertension, which impair blood flow to the penis, a vascular process essential for erection. The integumentary system, while relevant to skin health, doesn't directly influence ED unless severe conditions affect genital tissue, which is rare. Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or low testosterone, disrupt hormonal balance critical for libido and erectile function, making it a key area. The nervous system, including spinal cord injuries or neuropathy, affects nerve signals for arousal, another vital component. Cardiovascular assessment is prioritized because ED can signal underlying heart disease, with shared risk factors like smoking or high cholesterol, and its vascular basis often precedes overt cardiac symptoms, necessitating a thorough check of circulation and heart health to pinpoint or rule out this common cause.
Question 2 of 5
Tricyclic antidepressants:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline have a high volume of distribution due to lipophilicity, not low, making that false. They're not useful in urinary retention (they cause it as a side effect) but are effective for chronic pain via monoamine modulation, so that's partially false. They can prolong the QT interval by blocking cardiac sodium channels, a true statement and significant risk factor for arrhythmias. They don't block monoamine oxidase (MAO) but inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing synaptic levels, so that's false. They treat severe depression, even with suicidal ideation, though caution is needed. The QT prolongation is a critical electrophysiological effect, requiring ECG monitoring in clinical use to prevent torsades de pointes.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is compiling a drug history for a patient. Which question from the nurse will obtain the most information from the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A comprehensive drug history includes information about the patient's current and past medication use, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and non-pharmacological pain relief methods. Asking, 'When you have pain, what do you do to relieve it?' provides insight into the patient's self-management strategies and helps identify potential drug interactions or misuse. While questions about sleeping pills, family history, and childhood diseases are relevant, they do not provide as much information about the patient's current medication practices. Therefore, focusing on pain relief methods is the most effective way to gather a detailed drug history.
Question 4 of 5
A 17-year-old man is brought to the emergency department with severe right lower quadrant pain that he first felt around his umbilicus. His white blood cell count is 12,000/μL of blood. He is taken to the operating room for emergent laparoscopic appendectomy. About an hour into the surgery, his body temperature spikes and CO2 production rises uncontrollably. What is the next step in the treatment of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever and CO2 rise during surgery suggest malignant hyperthermia (MH). Dantrolene , a ryanodine receptor antagonist, halts MH by blocking calcium release. Acetaminophen reduces fever but not MH. Bromocriptine treats neuroleptic syndrome. Diazepam and Naproxen (E) are irrelevant. Dantrolene's specificity saves lives in this surgical emergency.
Question 5 of 5
What patient history would the nurse recognize as a contraindication for beginning Niacin therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gout is a contraindication for beginning Niacin therapy due to its potential to exacerbate gout symptoms. Niacin can lead to hyperuricemia, which is increased uric acid levels in the blood, and that can trigger a gout attack. Patients with a history of gout should avoid Niacin therapy to prevent worsening of their condition.