ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Study Guide Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is hypokalemic and will be receiving IV potassium. The patient is not on a heart monitor. How should the nurse administer the potassium replacement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When administering IV potassium replacement to a hypokalemic patient who is not on a heart monitor, it is crucial to prevent rapid infusion that may lead to dangerous cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. The general guideline is to administer no more than 20 mEq/hour of potassium when the patient is not on continuous cardiac monitoring. This rate allows the body to tolerate the infusion more safely and reduces the risk of serious adverse effects. It is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's response to the potassium replacement and adjust the rate if necessary based on the patient's condition and any signs of potassium-related complications.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication to this patient to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is commonly administered to postoperative patients to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow. LMWH works by inhibiting the activity of certain clotting factors, ultimately preventing the formation of blood clots. As a result, it is often used in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in surgical patients. LMWH is preferred over traditional heparin due to its longer half-life, allowing for once or twice daily dosing, and reduced risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Question 3 of 5
The nurse works with a physician who frequently prescribes benzodiazepines. The use of benzodiazepines in which patient would cause the nurse the most concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benzos (e.g., diazepam) in an 87-year-old with a cane raise fall risk-sedation and slow clearance heighten injury odds, per geriatrics. Kids rarely get benzos-alternatives exist. Adults (42, 32) handle them better unless dependent. Elderly frailty drives concern, a safety red flag.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is receiving fluid replacement. The nurse's health teaching with this patient includes which suggestions? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring weight daily (A) helps assess fluid balance, as sudden changes may indicate fluid retention or loss. Thirst (B) is an early sign of mild dehydration. Monitoring intake and output (C) is essential to evaluate fluid status. Avoiding calcium and chloride supplements (D) is not relevant to fluid replacement. Reviewing electrolyte labs (E) is important but not part of routine health teaching for fluid replacement.
Question 5 of 5
What is the expected outcome for Valproate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Valproate is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, which helps to reduce the occurrence of seizures. Therefore, the expected outcome of Valproate treatment is a decrease in seizure activity and an improvement in seizure control.