ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been on TPN for 1 month, and there is an order to discontinue TPN tomorrow. The nurse contacts the health care provider because sudden interruption of TPN therapy may cause which condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sudden discontinuation of TPN can cause hypoglycemia due to the abrupt cessation of dextrose infusion. The nurse should gradually taper TPN or provide a dextrose solution to prevent this. Dehydration (A), tremors (B), and urinary retention (C) are not typical complications of TPN discontinuation.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has been diagnosed has having 'long QT syndrome.' The patient is experiencing significant pain following a bout with shingles. What would be an appropriate drug for his pain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Long QT syndrome predisposes patients to torsades de pointes, so pain management must avoid QT-prolonging drugs. Amitriptyline, a TCA, extends QT via sodium channel blockade, risking arrhythmias. Fentanyl, an opioid, has minimal QT impact and relieves severe pain but carries respiratory depression risks, less ideal for shingles' neuropathic pain. Acyclovir treats shingles' viral cause, not pain directly. Diazepam addresses anxiety, not pain. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, targets neuropathic pain (common in postherpetic neuralgia) by modulating calcium channels, with no significant QT prolongation, making it safe and effective here. Its efficacy in nerve pain, lack of cardiac risk, and suitability for chronic management post-shingles distinguish it as the best option.
Question 3 of 5
The patient was receiving haloperidol (Haldol), a dopamine antagonist. The psychiatrist changed the order to aripiprazole (Abilify), a partial dopamine antagonist. Which statement best describes the effect of the change of medication on the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aripiprazole, a partial dopamine agonist, balances receptor activity versus haloperidol's full block, reducing side effects like extrapyramidal symptoms, common in schizophrenia treatment. Compliance isn't directly tied to this switch. Efficacy or symptom reduction varies-side effect profile drives the change. Fewer side effects align with aripiprazole's design, improving tolerability.
Question 4 of 5
What is the therapeutic use for Lithium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is particularly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes. By stabilizing mood and decreasing manic symptoms, lithium helps to prevent the occurrence of acute manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. It does not specifically target blood pressure, seizure activity, or urinary output.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been on TPN for 1 month, and there is an order to discontinue TPN tomorrow. The nurse contacts the health care provider because sudden interruption of TPN therapy may cause which condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sudden discontinuation of TPN can cause hypoglycemia due to the abrupt cessation of dextrose infusion. The nurse should gradually taper TPN or provide a dextrose solution to prevent this. Dehydration (A), tremors (B), and urinary retention (C) are not typical complications of TPN discontinuation.