ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Infection Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is evaluating a client who is HIV positive who is prescribed with pentamidine (Pentam) IV for
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Redness and pain at the site of the infusion can indicate a potential infiltration or extravasation of the medication, in this case, pentamidine (Pentam) IV. Pentamidine is a medication used to treat Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia in HIV patients. Infiltration or extravasation of pentamidine can lead to tissue damage, necrosis, and potentially severe complications. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately assess and address any signs of redness and pain at the infusion site to prevent further harm to the patient. This assessment finding should be promptly relayed to the physician for further evaluation and intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who has been taking a benzodiazepine as a sleep aid for several months wishes to stop taking the medication. The nurse will suggest that the patient taper the dose gradually to avoid which effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as medications used for sleep aid, are known for their potential to cause physical dependence. If a patient abruptly stops taking benzodiazepines after using them regularly for an extended period, they are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, agitation, tremors, sweating, and even seizures in some cases. To prevent or minimize the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms, it is important for patients to gradually taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This gradual tapering helps the body adjust slowly to decreasing doses of the medication, reducing the risk of withdrawal effects.
Question 3 of 5
Which statement is accurate regarding pharmacotherapy in the older adult?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging reduces liver/renal clearance, raising plasma levels (e.g., digoxin), heightening response and toxicity risk, per pharmacokinetics. Body water drops, concentrating drugs, not diluting. Doses decrease, not increase-metabolism slows. Absorption may slow, but pH rises, not falls. Plasma increase drives effects, key in elders.
Question 4 of 5
The client takes calcium supplements. What is the best instruction by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calcium absorbs best with food-e.g., fat aids uptake, per pharmacokinetics-unlike empty stomach. Insomnia isn't typical-constipation is. Vitamin D matters-enhances absorption. Meal timing optimizes use, per guidance.
Question 5 of 5
While caring for a patient with cirrhosis or hepatitis, the nurse knows that abnormalities in which phase of pharmacokinetics may occur?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cirrhosis and hepatitis impair liver function, which directly affects the metabolism of drugs. The liver is responsible for metabolizing many medications through processes such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. When liver function is compromised, drug metabolism may be slowed, leading to increased drug levels and a higher risk of toxicity. While absorption, distribution, and excretion can also be affected by liver disease, metabolism is the most significantly impacted phase. Therefore, nurses must carefully monitor drug dosages and consider alternative medications for patients with liver dysfunction.