ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is receiving heparin therapy as part of the treatment for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse monitors the results of which laboratory test to check the drug™s effectiveness?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse monitors the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to check the effectiveness of heparin therapy in a patient with a pulmonary embolism. Heparin works by inhibiting the clotting cascade, specifically by potentiating the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and factor Xa. Monitoring the aPTT helps determine the appropriate dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels of anticoagulation and prevent clot formation without increasing the risk of bleeding. The desired therapeutic range for aPTT when a patient is on heparin therapy is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. Monitoring aPTT levels regularly helps ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dose of heparin for effective treatment of the pulmonary embolism.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is receiving thrombolytic therapy, and the nurse monitors the patient for adverse effects. What is the most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy is internal and superficial bleeding. Thrombolytic medications work by dissolving blood clots, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. This bleeding can occur internally, such as in the gastrointestinal tract or brain, or externally, in the form of bruising or easy bleeding from cuts or wounds. It is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients receiving thrombolytic therapy for signs of bleeding and to promptly address any concerns to prevent complications. Dysrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, and anaphylactic reactions are less common adverse effects associated with thrombolytic therapy compared to bleeding.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is taking Digoxin. The nurse should instruct the patient to monitor and report which of the following adverse effects? ( select all the apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 4 of 5
Mandy, a patient, calls the clinic today because he is taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) to treat his high cholesterol and is having pain in both of his legs. You instruct him to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, with the patient experiencing leg pain while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, it is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being. Leg pain can be a sign of a rare but serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potentially affect kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately discontinue the medication (atorvastatin) and have the patient come in to the clinic to be seen today for further evaluation and management. This will allow healthcare providers to assess the severity of the leg pain, conduct necessary tests, and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the patient's health and safety.
Question 5 of 5
When taking Digoxin, low levels of what can cause toxicity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When taking Digoxin, low levels of potassium can cause toxicity because digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium pump in cardiac cells. Low potassium levels can lead to increased binding of digoxin to the pump, resulting in increased intracellular calcium levels and an increased risk of digoxin toxicity, including arrhythmias. Therefore, monitoring and maintaining adequate potassium levels are crucial in patients taking digoxin to prevent toxicity.