ATI RN
Pharmacology Final ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is taking a cephalosporin. The nurse anticipates which appropriate nursing intervention(s) for this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cephalosporins are antibiotics that can cause nephrotoxicity, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Monitoring renal function is essential to detect any decline in kidney function early. Liver function studies are also important because cephalosporins can occasionally cause hepatotoxicity. Intravenous cephalosporins should be infused over 30 minutes to ensure proper absorption and minimize adverse effects. Mouth ulcers are not a common side effect of cephalosporins, but monitoring for superinfections, such as oral thrush, is important. Advising the patient to stop the medication when they feel better is incorrect, as it can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Question 2 of 5
Epinephrine can compromise the stability of formed blood clot because it is a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Epinephrine can compromise the stability of a formed blood clot because it is a fibrinolytic agent. Fibrinolysis is the process of breaking down fibrin, the main protein component of blood clots, and promoting the dissolution of the clot. Epinephrine is a hormone that acts on adrenergic receptors, including beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which can trigger the activation of fibrinolysis pathways. By promoting fibrinolysis, epinephrine can weaken and compromise the stability of a formed blood clot, leading to potential clot breakdown and increased risk of bleeding. This mechanism is important to consider when using epinephrine in situations where clot stability is crucial, such as in patients with bleeding disorders or undergoing surgery.
Question 3 of 5
A client with myasthenia gravis frequently complains of weakness and fatigue. The physician plans to identify whether the client is responding to an overdose of the medication or a worsening of the disease. A tensilon test is performed. Which of the following would indicate that the client is experiencing an overdose of the medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a Tensilon test, edrophonium chloride is administered to differentiate between myasthenic crisis (worsening of the disease) and cholinergic crisis (overdose of medication). A temporary worsening of symptoms, such as increased weakness, indicates a cholinergic crisis due to an overdose of anticholinesterase medications. Improvement suggests myasthenic crisis, while no change is inconclusive. Muscle spasms are not specific to an overdose. Therefore, worsening symptoms indicate an overdose.
Question 4 of 5
If you are treating a patient that has renal failure, what type of pain medications should you avoid?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When treating a patient with renal failure, it is important to avoid NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) as pain medications. NSAIDs can worsen renal function and may cause further damage to the kidneys. They can also lead to complications such as fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances in patients with renal failure. Instead, other types of pain medications such as opioids and nonopioids (e.g., acetaminophen) may be considered for pain management in patients with renal failure. Short-acting analgesics should also be utilized cautiously in this population, considering the potential clearance and metabolism issues due to decreased renal function.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is receiving edrophonium chloride suddenly is complaining of abdominal cramps and the nurse observes the client is experiencing increased perspiration and salivation. The nurse makes sure the availability of which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Edrophonium chloride is a medication used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, a condition characterized by muscle weakness. When a client receiving edrophonium chloride suddenly experiences symptoms like abdominal cramps, increased perspiration, and salivation, these are suggestive of cholinergic crisis, which is an overdose of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like edrophonium. Atropine sulfate is an anticholinergic medication used to counteract the effects of excessive acetylcholine in the body, hence it is essential to have it readily available to manage cholinergic crisis in this client. Levodopa, methylphenidate hydrochloride, and carbamazepine are not indicated for managing cholinergic crisis.