ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient who is taking an adrenergic blocking agent. While assessing the patient’s medication history, the nurse discovers that the patient takes several alternative therapies. What herb is the nurse concerned may interact with the adrenergic blocking agent and affect the patient’s blood glucose level?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Di huang is an alternative therapy that can lower blood glucose when used in combination with adrenergic blocking agents. Ginseng increases antihypertensive effects; nightshade slows the heart rate; and saw palmetto increases the risk of urinary tract complications when used in combination with adrenergic blocking agents. The nurse should educate the patient about potential interactions and monitor blood glucose levels closely.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer an injection to a preschool-age child. Which approaches are appropriate for this age group? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Preschool-age children benefit from brief, concrete explanations about medical procedures, as they have limited understanding of abstract concepts. Encouraging participation, such as allowing the child to choose a bandage or hold a toy, can reduce anxiety and increase cooperation. Providing comfort measures, such as praise or a small reward, after the injection helps reinforce positive behavior. While magical thinking is characteristic of this age group, it is not an appropriate strategy for explaining medical procedures. Therefore, the nurse should focus on concrete explanations, participation, and comfort measures.
Question 3 of 5
A male patient needs to receive a unit of whole blood. What type of intravenous (IV) device should the nurse consider starting?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A large-bore catheter is recommended for whole blood transfusions to allow for the rapid administration of blood products and to prevent hemolysis. Smaller catheters may not accommodate the viscosity of whole blood and could increase the risk of complications. While patient comfort and past experiences are important, the primary consideration is the safe and effective delivery of the transfusion. Therefore, a large-bore catheter is the best choice.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is most suitable for migraine prophylaxis in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old woman?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Migraine prophylaxis reduces attack frequency. Ergotamine treats acute migraines, not prophylaxis, risking vasoconstriction. Paracetamol relieves pain but doesn't prevent migraines. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, reduces migraine frequency via vascular and CNS effects, proven effective and safe in healthy adults. Carbamazepine suits trigeminal neuralgia, not migraines. Sumatriptan is acute, not preventive. Propranolol's efficacy makes it first-line, balancing prevention and tolerability.
Question 5 of 5
Bioavailability is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bioavailability can be 100% (e.g., IV), not always less, so that's false. It's the fraction reaching systemic circulation, not just absorbed, making that incomplete. First-pass metabolism reduces bioavailability, so that's false. Verapamil's oral bioavailability is low (~20-35%), not 80%, due to extensive first-pass metabolism, but the key indicates this as true (possibly a typo; typically false). The correct interpretation aligns with bioavailability as absorption minus extraction, though the key's choice needs context. Verapamil's low bioavailability informs its dosing.