ATI RN
How to Study for ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has an order for metoprolol. Prior to medication administration, what does the nurse need to assess?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, can cause bradycardia. The nurse must assess the patient’s heart rate before administration to ensure it is within a safe range (typically >60 beats/minute). Respirations (A), temperature (B), and oxygen saturation (D) are less critical for metoprolol administration.
Question 2 of 5
Which patient is the best candidate to receive nesiritide therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nesiritide is a recombinant form of human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) that is used for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure (HF). It is specifically indicated for patients with acute decompensated HF who have dyspnea at rest. Nesiritide works by promoting vasodilation and natriuresis, which helps alleviate symptoms of acute decompensated HF such as dyspnea and edema. Therefore, the patient with acutely decompensated HF who has dyspnea at rest is the best candidate to receive nesiritide therapy to help improve their symptoms and hemodynamic status.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is in the intensive care unit and receiving an infusion of milrinone (Primacor) for severe
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to improve cardiac contractility and reduce pulmonary congestion in patients with heart failure. Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume in patients with congestive heart failure. Given that both milrinone and furosemide are typically administered intravenously and may have potentially incompatible effects on fluid and electrolyte balance, it is critically important to administer them separately. Mixing these medications in the same intravenous line can lead to potential drug interactions or decrease the effectiveness of either drug.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is obtaining a medication history on a patient presenting with chest pain. What drug classification would necessitate the nurse informing the provider before beginning the prescribed nitroglycerin?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator commonly used to treat angina and chest pain by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart. When nitroglycerin is taken with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) used for erectile dysfunction, a profound drop in blood pressure can occur. This can lead to serious side effects like hypotension, dizziness, fainting, and even a potential risk of heart attack or stroke. Therefore, the nurse should inform the provider before administering nitroglycerin to a patient taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors to ensure safe medication management and possibly adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has a digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL. Which interpretation by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic range for digoxin levels is typically considered to be between 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL for patients with heart failure. A digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL falls within this range, indicating that the patient's digoxin level is appropriate for therapeutic effects. This level suggests that the patient is receiving an appropriate dose of digoxin to achieve the desired therapeutic response without reaching toxic levels.