ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Practice Exam 1 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been receiving intravenous heparin. When laboratory tests are drawn, the nurse has difficulty
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient is displaying signs and symptoms that are suggestive of potential heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious adverse effect of heparin therapy. Bloody stools and abdominal pain can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur as a complication of heparin therapy. Elevated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) can also be seen in the setting of HIT.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is receiving intravenous (IV) potassium supplements. What is the most important nursing implication when administering this drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: IV potassium must always be diluted in IV fluids and administered via an infusion pump to prevent rapid infusion, which can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Administering undiluted potassium or too quickly can lead to hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. While central lines (A) are sometimes used, potassium can also be given through a peripheral IV if properly diluted. Chilling potassium (C) is unnecessary and could cause discomfort. Preservatives (D) are not a primary concern with IV potassium administration.
Question 3 of 5
While teaching a 76-year-old patient about the adverse effects of his medications, the nurse encourages him to keep a journal of the adverse effects he experiences. This intervention is important for the elderly patient because of which alterations in pharmacokinetics?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elderly patients often experience decreased blood flow to the liver due to age-related changes, which can alter drug metabolism and increase the risk of adverse effects. Keeping a journal of adverse effects helps the patient and healthcare provider monitor and manage these effects effectively. Increased renal excretion, alkaline gastric pH, and reduced adipose tissue are less relevant to the need for monitoring adverse effects. Therefore, the nurse's intervention is most important due to altered liver metabolism in elderly patients.
Question 4 of 5
A male patient with blood type AB, Rh factor positive needs a blood transfusion. The Transfusion Service (blood bank) sends type O, Rh factor negative blood to the unit for the nurse to infuse into this patient. The nurse knows that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type O, Rh-negative blood is considered the universal donor blood and is compatible with all blood types, including AB-positive. This makes it a safe choice in emergencies or when the patient's blood type is unknown. Premedication with diphenhydramine and acetaminophen is not necessary for compatibility but may be used to prevent allergic reactions or fever. Therefore, the nurse can confidently administer this blood product.
Question 5 of 5
Which drug in the following list has an analgesic effect which is not mediated wholly or partly by binding to opioid receptors?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Analgesics often act via opioid receptors. Codeine, a weak mu-opioid agonist, relieves mild pain. Tramadol combines mu agonism with serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Dextropropoxyphene is a mu agonist, buprenorphine a partial agonist. Nefopam's analgesia involves monoamine reuptake inhibition and possibly NMDA antagonism, not opioid receptors, distinguishing it. This non-opioid mechanism suits patients intolerant to opioids, offering an alternative in pain management.