ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Infection Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
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 9
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 4 of 9
While preparing an infusion of mannitol (Osmitrol), the nurse notices small crystals in the IV tubing. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate action by the nurse when small crystals are observed in the IV tubing while preparing an infusion of mannitol (Osmitrol) is to discard the solution and obtain another bag of medication. Small crystals in the IV tubing can indicate that the medication may be contaminated or that it has precipitated out of solution, which can potentially lead to complications if infused into the patient. It is crucial to ensure that the medication is in proper form before administration to prevent any harm to the patient. Therefore, discarding the solution and obtaining a new bag of medication is the safest and most appropriate course of action in this situation.
Question 5 of 9
A 43-year-old man undergoes a kidney transplantation. His physician prescribes azathioprine for graft rejection prophylaxis. His past medical history is significant for gouty arthritis. Which of the following antigout drugs should he avoid while taking azathioprine?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Azathioprine, metabolized by xanthine oxidase, interacts with allopurinol , which inhibits this enzyme. This raises azathioprine levels, risking toxicity. Colchicine , Indomethacin , and Prednisolone don't affect this pathway. Probenecid (E) is safe. Avoiding allopurinol prevents immunosuppression complications.
Question 6 of 9
A 23-year-old man victim of a motor vehicle accident is brought to the emergency department. He is found to have a blood alcohol level of 850 mg/dL. Because of the way the body handles ethanol, the conventional 'half-life' to describe its metabolism does not apply. Which of the following drugs at therapeutic concentrations exhibits the same property?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ethanol's zero-order metabolism matches phenytoin , saturating enzymes at therapeutic levels. Aspirin , ibuprofen , simvastatin , and valproic acid (E) follow first-order kinetics. Phenytoin's fixed-rate clearance mirrors ethanol's.
Question 7 of 9
A patient with elevated lipid levels has a new prescription for nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse informs the patient that which adverse effects may occur with this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is commonly associated with adverse effects of pruritus (itching) and cutaneous flushing (redness and warmth of the skin). These side effects are usually dose-related and can be alleviated by taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 30 minutes before taking niacin. It's important for the nurse to inform the patient about these common side effects so that they are aware of what to expect and how to manage them if they occur.
Question 8 of 9
The client takes diphenhydramine (Benadryl) but forgets to tell the physician about this drug when a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug is prescribed for depression. What will the best assessment by the nurse reveal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties, interacts dangerously with MAOIs, which inhibit monoamine breakdown. This combination can cause a hypertensive crisis due to excessive norepinephrine from inhibited metabolism, a life-threatening risk requiring urgent assessment. Depression persistence relates to MAOI efficacy, not interaction. Seizures are less common than hypertensive effects. Allergy control isn't the primary concern. The nurse's best assessment focuses on hypertensive crisis, a well-documented MAOI interaction, prioritizing immediate safety and intervention.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is doing health teaching with a patient with psoriasis. Which nursing implication is a priority for a patient on infliximab to treat psoriasis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infliximab, a biologic agent used to treat psoriasis, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections and blood disorders. Monitoring the complete blood count (D) is a priority to detect neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia. Monitoring weight (A), electrolytes (B), or urine output (C) is not typically associated with infliximab therapy.