ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 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 aPTT to check the effectiveness of heparin therapy in preventing and treating blood clots. Heparin acts by inhibiting the clotting cascade, specifically by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates clotting factors such as thrombin and factor Xa. The aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade, which is affected by heparin therapy. By monitoring the patient's aPTT levels, the nurse can ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range for heparin therapy to be effective in preventing further clot formation. Monitoring bleeding times, PT/INR, or vitamin K levels is not typically done to assess heparin therapy effectiveness.
Question 2 of 5
A 13-year-old boy with moderate asthma presents to the clinic for follow-up. His symptoms appear to be better controlled since adding salmeterol to his regimen. He has had to use his rescue inhaler once over the past 2 weeks during exertion. His breathing at night has improved as well. How does salmeterol exhibit its beneficial effects for asthma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Salmeterol improves asthma as a long-acting β2-agonist , relaxing bronchial smooth muscle for 12 hours. β1 agonism (A, C) affects the heart. β1 antagonism or β2 antagonism (E) worsen asthma. Salmeterol's specificity enhances control.
Question 3 of 5
A patient being seen for skin concerns asks, 'What do keratolytic drugs remove?' What is the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keratolytic drugs, such as salicylic acid, work by softening and removing the horny layer of the epidermis, which consists of dead skin cells. This helps treat conditions like psoriasis, warts, and calluses. They do not target the dermis (A), erythematous lesions (C), or hair follicles (D).
Question 4 of 5
Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed to a client with alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The statement "I'll have my physician lower my dosage once I start to feel okay" indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen because Diazepam is typically used as a short-term treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Once the client starts to feel okay, it is important to gradually taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent withdrawal symptoms. This demonstrates the client's understanding of the appropriate course of treatment and the need for medical supervision throughout the process.
Question 5 of 5
It is rational and advised therapeutic practice to commence treatment with the following drug using a loading dose if a rapid onset of action is required:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A loading dose achieves therapeutic levels quickly for drugs with long half-lives or urgent needs. Clozapine's slow titration avoids agranulocytosis, not rapid loading. Zolmitriptan, for acute migraine, acts fast without loading due to short half-life. Amiodarone, with a half-life of weeks, uses loading doses (e.g., 800-1600 mg/day) to rapidly control arrhythmias, rational for urgent onset. Levodopa's short half-life and titration in Parkinson's don't require loading. Doxazosin, for hypertension, starts low to avoid first-dose hypotension. Amiodarone's pharmacokinetics and arrhythmia urgency make loading advised, balancing efficacy and toxicity risks.