ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Drugs Classification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient states, “I’m going to have a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. What are the doctors going to learn from it?” The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "They will learn about the activity in various portions of your brain." A PET scan measures metabolic activity in the brain by detecting the distribution of a radioactive tracer. This helps doctors assess brain function, diagnose conditions like Alzheimer's or epilepsy, and monitor treatment response. Choice A is incorrect as PET scans can also detect brain activity, not just tumors and scars. Choice C is incorrect as outlining brain structures is typically done with other imaging techniques like MRI. Choice D is incorrect as PET scans have significant clinical utility in various medical specialties.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant woman is experiencing hypertension. The nurse knows that which drug is commonly used for a pregnant patient who is experiencing hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, methyldopa (Aldomet), for a pregnant patient with hypertension. Methyldopa is a safe and effective antihypertensive medication during pregnancy as it has been extensively studied and shown to be beneficial without harming the fetus. It works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure. Other choices like mannitol, enalapril, and hydrochlorothiazide are contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risks of fetal harm or complications. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic not used for hypertension; enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause fetal harm; hydrochlorothiazide can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the fetus.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing new medication orders for a patient who has an epidural catheter for pain relief. One of the orders is for enoxaparin (Lovenox), a low–molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contact the prescriber because the LMWH cannot be given if the patient has an epidural catheter. This is the priority action because LMWH use is contraindicated in patients with epidural catheters due to the increased risk of epidural hematoma. Contacting the prescriber ensures patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as giving the LMWH without addressing the contraindication can lead to serious complications. Choice B is unnecessary and delays necessary action. Choice C is incorrect as stopping the epidural medication without addressing the contraindication is not the priority.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has started drug therapy for tuberculosis wants to know how long he will be on the medications. Which response by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “You should expect to take these drugs for as long as 24 months.” This is the correct response because drug therapy for tuberculosis typically lasts for 6 to 9 months for drug-sensitive TB and up to 24 months for drug-resistant TB. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent relapse. Choice A is incorrect because relying solely on symptoms to determine the duration of treatment may lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. Choice B is incorrect as drug therapy is not based on waiting for resistance to develop. Choice D is incorrect because drug therapy for tuberculosis is not lifelong in most cases, except for certain scenarios of drug-resistant TB.
Question 5 of 5
In case of liver disorders accompanied by a decline in microsomal enzyme activity the duration of action of some drugs is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 1. Liver disorders can lead to a decline in microsomal enzyme activity. 2. Microsomal enzymes play a role in drug metabolism. 3. Reduced enzyme activity can lead to decreased drug metabolism. 4. Decreased drug metabolism can result in an enlarged duration of action. 5. Therefore, in liver disorders, the duration of action of drugs is likely to be enlarged. Summary: A: Incorrect - Decreased duration of action is less likely due to reduced metabolism. C: Incorrect - Activity of microsomal enzymes affects drug metabolism. D: Incorrect - Changes in drug action may be significant due to altered metabolism.