ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice B Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient calls the clinic office saying that the cholestyramine (Questran) powder he started yesterday clumps and sticks to the glass when he tries to mix it. The nurse will suggest what method for mixing this medication for administration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cholestyramine (Questran) is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. To prevent clumping and sticking to the glass when mixing the powder, the nurse will suggest mixing the powder with food or fruit, or at least 4 to 6 ounces of fluid. This method helps to evenly disperse the powder and prevent clumping, making it easier for the patient to consume the medication. Mixing the powder with a carbonated soda drink (choice A) may not be suitable as the effervescence of the soda could affect the medication's stability. Adding the powder to any liquid and stirring vigorously (choice B) may not dissolve the powder effectively. Taking the powder dry on a spoon followed by a glass of water (choice E) may be difficult for the patient to swallow and may not distribute the medication evenly. Mixing with food or fluid provides a more palatable and effective method for administering Questr
Question 2 of 5
A child is admitted with a serious infection. After two days of antibiotics, he is severely neutropenic. The physician orders granulocyte transfusions for the next four days. The mother asks the nurse why? The nurse responds:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Granulocyte transfusions are used to temporarily increase the white blood cell count in severely neutropenic patients, particularly those with life-threatening infections. These transfusions provide functional granulocytes to help fight the infection while the patient's bone marrow recovers and begins producing its own white blood cells. This explanation is accurate and reassures the mother that the treatment is aimed at supporting the child's immune system during a critical period.
Question 3 of 5
The following drugs obey non-linear (dose-dependent) elimination pharmacokinetics:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenytoin exhibits non-linear kinetics because its elimination pathways become saturated at therapeutic doses, leading to a disproportionate rise in plasma levels with dose increases.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has received an overdose of intravenous heparin, and is showing signs of excessive bleeding. Which substance is the antidote for heparin overdose?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin overdose. Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin and preventing blood clot formation. In the case of an overdose leading to excessive bleeding, protamine sulfate can be administered to neutralize the effects of heparin. Protamine sulfate forms a complex with heparin, therefore reversing its anticoagulant effects and helping to stop the bleeding. This antidote is especially useful in situations where immediate reversal of heparin's effects is necessary to prevent serious complications.
Question 5 of 5
The health care provider is planning to discontinue a client's beta blocker. What instruction should the nurse give the client regarding the beta blocker?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to give the client regarding discontinuing a beta blocker is that it should NOT be abruptly stopped; the dose should be tapered down. Suddenly stopping a beta blocker can lead to rebound hypertension, angina, and even heart attack in some cases. Tapering down the dose helps the body adjust gradually and reduces the risk of adverse effects associated with abrupt discontinuation. It is important for the client to follow the healthcare provider's guidance on how to safely decrease the dose of the beta blocker.