ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice B Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a skin cancer, is treated with interferon alfa-2a. The nurse teaches this patient about which side effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flulike syndrome, characterized by fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches, is a common side effect of interferon alfa-2a. This occurs because the drug stimulates the immune system, mimicking the body's response to a viral infection. While gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, they are less common than flulike syndrome. Interferon alfa-2a does not typically cause an increase in white or red blood cells. The nurse should educate the patient about managing flulike symptoms, such as using antipyretics and staying hydrated.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is giving medications to a patient in heart failure. The intravenous route is chosen instead of the intramuscular route. The nurse knows that the factor that most influences the decision about which route to use is the patient's
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In patients with heart failure, diminished circulation is a significant concern. The intravenous (IV) route is preferred over the intramuscular (IM) route because it ensures rapid and reliable drug delivery, especially in patients with compromised cardiac output. IM injections rely on adequate blood flow for absorption, which may be impaired in heart failure due to poor circulation. Altered biliary function, increased glomerular filtration, and reduced liver metabolism are less relevant to the choice of administration route in this context. Therefore, diminished circulation is the primary factor influencing the decision to use the IV route.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
Which of the following drugs is likely to increase the plasma lithium concentration if co-prescribed to a patient on chronic lithium therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium levels rise with drugs reducing renal clearance or altering metabolism. St John's wort induces CYP enzymes, potentially lowering lithium (not renally metabolized). Ibuprofen, an NSAID, reduces renal lithium excretion by inhibiting prostaglandins, increasing plasma levels, a well-known interaction. Phenytoin induces metabolism but doesn't affect lithium's renal clearance. Haloperidol and sertraline have minimal pharmacokinetic impact on lithium. Ibuprofen's effect necessitates monitoring, as elevated lithium risks toxicity (e.g., tremor, confusion), critical in bipolar management.
Question 5 of 5
GTN has its major effect on effort angina by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) relieves effort angina primarily by reducing preload (venodilation) and afterload (arterial dilation), decreasing myocardial oxygen demand, a true and major mechanism. It doesn't primarily reduce coronary vasospasm (more relevant in variant angina), nor significantly affect the renin-angiotensin system in this context. While it causes some coronary vasodilation, this is secondary to systemic effects on demand reduction. It doesn't cause systemic vasoconstriction (opposite effect). The preload/afterload reduction is the cornerstone of GTN's efficacy in stable angina, improving oxygen supply-demand balance, a critical concept in ischemic heart disease management.