ATI RN
NurseReview Org Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient's serum lithium level is reported as 1.9 mEq/L. The nurse should immediately:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for signs and symptoms of toxicity. A serum lithium level of 1.9 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) and could indicate lithium toxicity. The nurse should assess the patient for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, confusion, and drowsiness. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent serious complications. Restricting sodium and fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary in some cases, but the priority is to assess for toxicity first. Seeking ICU transfer (choice C) is premature without assessing the patient first. Notifying the physician (choice D) should be done after assessing the patient for toxicity.
Question 2 of 5
The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia asks the nurse, “My child’s doctor ordered a PET. What kind of test is that?” Select the nurse’s best reply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides an accurate and detailed explanation of what a PET scan is. Positron-emission tomography involves injecting a radioactive substance into the body to show blood flow and brain activity. This is crucial in diagnosing conditions like schizophrenia. Choice A is incorrect as it inaccurately describes a PET scan as similar to an MRI, which does not involve radioactive substances. Choice C is incorrect as a PET scan does not use X-rays to provide images. Choice D is incorrect as a PET scan does not measure electrical activity with scalp electrodes but rather shows blood flow and brain activity.
Question 3 of 5
Which set of instructions will the nurse include in the teaching plan of a patient who is prescribed fluphenazine (Prolixin) and has developed a thickly white-coated tongue?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it provides comprehensive and appropriate instructions for managing the thickly white-coated tongue associated with fluphenazine. First, advising to avoid foods high in sugar helps prevent further irritation. Second, emphasizing good oral hygiene by brushing teeth and tongue, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash helps to reduce the coating. Third, encouraging daily tongue checks and prompt physician notification ensures monitoring and timely intervention if needed. Choice B is incorrect because it lacks the comprehensive approach of Choice A, omitting the importance of flossing and daily tongue checks. Choice C is incorrect as it dismisses the issue without providing any guidance on how to manage the side effect. Choice D is incorrect as it introduces irrelevant information about nasal inhalants that can confuse the patient and is not directly related to managing the white-coated tongue.
Question 4 of 5
A friend has just taken a night shift job and complains about increasing depression. The nurse responds, knowing that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because interrupted wake-sleep patterns can indeed influence mood. Night shift work disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances and affecting the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This disruption can contribute to feelings of depression. Choice A is incorrect as there is a known connection between shift work and mental health. Choice B is incorrect because medication may not address the root cause of the depression in this case. Choice D is incorrect as adjustment to new sleep patterns can vary among individuals and may not necessarily take 4 months.
Question 5 of 5
While monitoring a depressed patient who has just started SSRI antidepressant therapy, the nurse will observe for which problem during the early time frame of this therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Self-injury or suicidal tendencies. This is because during the early stages of SSRI antidepressant therapy, there is an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior before the full therapeutic effects are achieved. This is known as the "suicidal ideation paradox." The other options are incorrect because hypertensive crisis is not a common side effect of SSRI therapy, extrapyramidal symptoms are typically associated with antipsychotic medications, and loss of appetite is a common side effect but not specific to the early stages of SSRI therapy.