ATI RN
Safety Pharmacology Across the Lifespan Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient recently prescribed hydrocodone calls to report they are unable to fill the prescription. Which factors could contribute to the inability to fill the prescription?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D: Prescriber license number not included. This is a critical factor that could contribute to the inability to fill the prescription. Pharmacies require the prescriber's license number to verify the legitimacy of the prescription and ensure that it is coming from a licensed healthcare provider. Without this information, the prescription may be considered invalid and the pharmacy would be unable to dispense the medication. Option A (DEA number missing from prescription) is also important as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number is required for controlled substances like hydrocodone. However, in this case, the prescriber license number takes precedence as it is a fundamental requirement for any prescription. Option B (Prescription sent via electronic messenger) and option C (Dose higher than typically prescribed) are not directly related to the inability to fill the prescription in this context. While electronic prescriptions and dosage considerations are important in pharmacology, they do not address the specific issue of the prescriber license number missing. In an educational context, understanding the importance of accurate prescription information is crucial for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients. This knowledge ensures safe and effective medication management across the lifespan, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and adherence to regulations in prescribing practices. By highlighting these factors, healthcare professionals can work together to prevent prescription errors and promote patient safety.
Question 2 of 5
A post-operative patient who is worried about pain control will be discharged several days after surgery. The nurse providing discharge teaching tells the patient that the prescribed Lortab is not as strong as the morphine the patient was given in the immediate post-operative period. Which response is the patient likely to experience?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) A negative placebo effect when taking the medication. This response is likely because the nurse's statement sets up a negative expectation regarding the effectiveness of Lortab compared to morphine, leading the patient to anticipate less pain relief. Placebo effects can influence a patient's perception of pain management, impacting their actual experience of pain. Option A) A decreased likelihood of filling the prescription for the drug is incorrect because patients may still fill the prescription but may have lower expectations of its efficacy. Option C) An increased compliance with the drug regimen is also incorrect as setting up negative expectations may lead to decreased compliance due to perceived lack of benefit. Option D) Optimistic, realistic expectations about the drug is incorrect as the scenario presents a situation where the patient is likely to have negative expectations. From an educational perspective, this scenario highlights the importance of effective communication in healthcare. Nurses and healthcare providers should be cautious about the language they use when discussing medications with patients to avoid inadvertently creating negative placebo effects that can impact patient outcomes. Encouraging open dialogue, addressing concerns, and providing balanced information can help set realistic expectations and optimize patient experiences with pain management.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has just given birth to a baby boy with a cleft palate. The nurse will review the patient’s medication history with special emphasis on drugs taken during which period?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of safety pharmacology across the lifespan, understanding the impact of medications on fetal development is crucial. The correct answer is B) During the first trimester. This period is known as the critical period of organogenesis when the baby's organs are forming, making it the most vulnerable time for teratogenic effects of drugs. Option A) Before she became pregnant is incorrect because the critical time for teratogenic effects is during pregnancy when the fetus is developing. Options C) and D) during the second and third trimesters respectively are also incorrect as most major organ systems are already formed during these periods, reducing the risk of structural birth defects. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of medication safety during pregnancy and the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the timing of fetal organ development to minimize risks to the developing fetus. Understanding this concept is essential for healthcare providers involved in the care of pregnant women to make informed decisions regarding medication use during pregnancy.
Question 4 of 5
The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which information that is true for children?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of safety pharmacology across the lifespan, it is crucial to understand the implications of using oral corticosteroids in children, especially those with conditions like asthma. The correct answer, A) Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth, is supported by evidence-based practice. Explanation of why A is correct: Children are more susceptible to growth inhibition with chronic steroid use due to the impact on the endocrine system. Corticosteroids can suppress the production of growth hormone and lead to decreased linear growth in children over time. This is a significant concern when considering the long-term use of oral corticosteroids in pediatric patients. Explanation of why others are wrong: B) Frequent use of this drug may lead to a decreased response: While tolerance can develop with frequent use of some medications, this is not the primary concern with oral corticosteroids in children. The main issue is their impact on growth. C) A hypersensitivity reaction to this drug may occur: While hypersensitivity reactions are possible with any medication, this is not a specific consideration related to the use of oral corticosteroids in children with asthma. D) Systemic steroids are more toxic in children: While children may be more susceptible to certain side effects of systemic steroids, such as growth inhibition, they are not inherently more toxic in this population compared to adults. Educational context: Understanding the effects of medications on different age groups is essential for healthcare providers, especially when caring for pediatric patients. By knowing the specific considerations for using oral corticosteroids in children, nurses can provide accurate information to parents and ensure the safe and effective management of pediatric asthma.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who will begin combination estrogen/progestin therapy (EPT) for menopause asks the nurse why she cannot take an estrogen-only preparation. The patient has not had a hysterectomy, has a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and has mild osteopenia. The nurse will tell her that the progestin is necessary to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) decrease her risk of endometrial cancer. When a woman with an intact uterus takes estrogen therapy alone, it can lead to unopposed estrogen stimulation of the endometrium, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Progestin is added to estrogen therapy to counteract this effect by inducing endometrial shedding, reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. Option B) increase bone resorption to prevent fractures is incorrect because estrogen, not progestin, is known to have a positive effect on bone density by decreasing bone resorption and maintaining bone mass. Option C) lower her risk of myocardial infarction (MI) is incorrect as there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of hormone therapy on cardiovascular outcomes. Progestin is not specifically indicated for lowering the risk of MI. Option D) prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is incorrect because estrogen, not progestin, is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, including DVT. Progestin does not play a significant role in preventing DVT in this context. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the addition of progestin to estrogen therapy is crucial for healthcare providers to appropriately counsel patients on the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. This knowledge helps in individualizing treatment plans and promoting informed decision-making regarding menopausal symptom management and long-term health outcomes.