ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drugs Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of which mental illness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Dopamine dysregulation is a key factor in the development of schizophrenia. Excessive dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain can lead to symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, which are characteristic of schizophrenia. This neurotransmitter imbalance is often targeted by antipsychotic medications to help manage symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not primarily associated with dopamine dysregulation in the same way as schizophrenia. Major depressive disorder is more closely linked to serotonin and norepinephrine imbalances, while body dysmorphic disorder is associated with distorted body image perceptions. Parkinson's disease involves dopamine depletion in the brain's motor control areas, not the same pathway as seen in schizophrenia.
Question 2 of 5
A depressed patient who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant tells the nurse, “I don’t think I can keep taking these pills. They make me very dizzy, especially when I stand up.” The best nursing response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should educate the patient on orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants that causes dizziness upon standing. By advising the patient to increase fluid intake and change positions slowly, the nurse is promoting safety and providing a practical solution to manage the side effect. This response addresses the patient's concern effectively and empowers them to take control of their symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the patient's symptoms as something to get used to does not address the potential risks of orthostatic hypotension. Choice C is incorrect as it minimizes the patient's discomfort and may invalidate their concerns. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's symptoms by attributing them solely to negative thinking, rather than acknowledging the physiological effects of the medication.
Question 3 of 5
Captopril has been ordered for a patient. The nurse should teach the patient that the most commonly occurring side effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme drug is which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dry cough. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like captopril can cause a dry, persistent cough due to accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect occurs in up to 20% of patients taking ACE inhibitors. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness are less commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient about this potential side effect as it can be bothersome but usually not dangerous. A dry cough can indicate the need to discontinue the medication and consult a healthcare provider.
Question 4 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, “My doctor prescribed Paxil (paroxetine) for my depression. I assume I’ll have side effects like I had when I was taking Tofranil (imipramine).” The nurse’s reply should be based on the knowledge that paroxetine is a:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Paroxetine is categorized as an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), not a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. 2. SSRIs, such as Paxil, work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to alleviate depression. 3. Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Choice A) target norepinephrine, not serotonin. 4. Tricyclic antidepressants (Choice B) like Tofranil work differently from SSRIs. 5. MAO inhibitors (Choice C) are another class of antidepressants that inhibit monoamine oxidase, not serotonin reuptake.
Question 5 of 5
What part of the brain is responsible for regulating pituitary hormones and is known to regulate the body’s temperature?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating pituitary hormones through the release of various hormones that control the pituitary gland. It also plays a crucial role in regulating the body's temperature through thermoregulation. The thalamus (A) is involved in relaying sensory information, the cerebellum (B) is primarily responsible for motor coordination, and the limbic system (C) is associated with emotions and memory. Therefore, the hypothalamus is the only choice that directly relates to regulating pituitary hormones and body temperature.