ATI RN
Test Bank For Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is receiving digoxin 0.25 mg/day as part of treatment for HF. The nurse assesses the patient before medication administration. Which assessment finding would be of most concern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most concerning assessment finding for a patient receiving digoxin is a low serum potassium level (Option C). Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, as low potassium levels enhance the effect of digoxin on the myocardium, leading to an increased risk of serious dysrhythmias. It is important to address and correct hypokalemia promptly to prevent potential adverse effects of digoxin. An apical heart rate of 58 beats/min (Option A) could be an expected finding for a patient on digoxin, and ankle edema +1 bilaterally (Option B) is a common symptom of heart failure. A serum digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL (Option D) is within the therapeutic range for digoxin and is not concerning in the absence of other symptoms. Therefore, managing the low serum potassium level is of utmost
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is about to administer Propanolol to a patient. The nurse takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bmp. How should the nurse continue?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should withhold administration of the medication and notify the physician. The apical pulse of 58 bpm is below the normal range (60-100 bpm for adults), and propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further decrease the heart rate. Administering propranolol at this low heart rate may cause bradycardia (excessively slow heart rate) which can lead to serious complications. It is important to inform the physician of the low heart rate so that appropriate action or further assessment can be taken before administering the medication.
Question 3 of 9
What is the therapeutic classification of Furosemide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide belongs to the therapeutic class of diuretics. Diuretics are medications that promote diuresis, which is the increased production of urine. Furosemide specifically belongs to the loop diuretic class, working by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the loop of Henle in the kidney, leading to increased excretion of water and electrolytes. This mechanism makes it a commonly used medication for conditions such as congestive heart failure, edema, and hypertension.
Question 4 of 9
Glyceryl trinitrate for angina is most effective when given in what route?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glyceryl trinitrate, also known as nitroglycerin, is most effective for the treatment of angina when given sublingually (under the tongue). This route allows for rapid absorption of the medication directly into the bloodstream, providing quick relief of angina symptoms. Sublingual administration ensures the drug bypasses the first-pass metabolism in the liver, resulting in higher bioavailability compared to oral administration. The sublingual route also allows for a faster onset of action, making it the preferred route for the management of acute angina episodes.
Question 5 of 9
A patient has received an IV dose of adenosine, and almost immediately the heart monitor shows
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adenosine is a medication commonly used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeats, such as supraventricular tachycardia. One of the common side effects of adenosine administration is transient asystole or a brief pause in the electrical activity of the heart. This can cause the heart to stop beating momentarily, leading to a drop in blood pressure and a feeling of lightheadedness in the patient. Therefore, in this scenario where the heart monitor shows an immediate abnormality after adenosine administration, the nurse should prepare to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be ready to intervene if the patient's heart rhythm deteriorates further. It is crucial to be proactive and prepared to respond quickly to any adverse effects of the medication to prevent potential harm to the patient. Regular monitoring should also continue to assess the patient's condition and response to treatment.
Question 6 of 9
In infants and children, the side effects of first-generation over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax) include:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: First-generation antihistamines can cause paradoxical central nervous system (CNS) stimulation in children, leading to hyperactivity, agitation, and insomnia. This is contrary to their sedative effects in adults. Reye's syndrome is associated with aspirin, not antihistamines. Cholinergic effects and gastrointestinal symptoms are less common in children.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is receiving digoxin 0.25 mg/day as part of treatment for HF. The nurse assesses the patient before medication administration. Which assessment finding would be of most concern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most concerning assessment finding for a patient receiving digoxin is a low serum potassium level (Option C). Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, as low potassium levels enhance the effect of digoxin on the myocardium, leading to an increased risk of serious dysrhythmias. It is important to address and correct hypokalemia promptly to prevent potential adverse effects of digoxin. An apical heart rate of 58 beats/min (Option A) could be an expected finding for a patient on digoxin, and ankle edema +1 bilaterally (Option B) is a common symptom of heart failure. A serum digoxin level of 0.8 ng/mL (Option D) is within the therapeutic range for digoxin and is not concerning in the absence of other symptoms. Therefore, managing the low serum potassium level is of utmost
Question 8 of 9
A patient is taking infliximab and asks the nurse what side effects/adverse reactions to expect from this drug. The nurse lists which side effects? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infliximab is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Common side effects include fatigue and headache, which are generally mild but can affect the patient's quality of life. Chest pain is a less common but serious side effect that may indicate cardiovascular complications or infusion reactions. Nausea is not typically associated with infliximab. Nurses should educate patients about these potential side effects and advise them to report any severe or persistent symptoms, such as chest pain, immediately.
Question 9 of 9
When starting a patient on antidysrhythmic therapy, the nurse will remember that which problem is a potential adverse effect of any antidysrhythmic drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: While it may seem counterintuitive that starting a patient on antidysrhythmic therapy could potentially cause dysrhythmias, it is important to remember that antidysrhythmic drugs can have proarrhythmic effects. Proarrhythmia refers to the development of new or more severe dysrhythmias as a result of the medication intended to treat dysrhythmias. This can occur due to various mechanisms, such as altering the electrical conduction system of the heart or disrupting the normal rhythm. Therefore, dysrhythmias are a potential adverse effect that the nurse should monitor for when initiating antidysrhythmic therapy in a patient. It is crucial for the healthcare team to closely monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and adjust the medication regimen as needed to minimize the risk of proarrhythmia.