ATI RN
Drugs for Cardiovascular Disease Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient takes lithium daily. The nurse should monitor the patient for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (C): 1. Lithium is known to cause side effects such as diaphoresis (excessive sweating), weakness, and nausea. 2. Monitoring for diaphoresis is important as it may indicate lithium toxicity. 3. Weakness and nausea are common side effects of lithium that should be closely monitored. 4. These symptoms can help the nurse assess the patient's response to lithium therapy and detect any potential adverse effects early. 5. Pharyngitis, mydriasis, dystonia (choice A) are not commonly associated with lithium therapy. 6. Alopecia, purpura, drowsiness (choice B) are not typical side effects of lithium. 7. Ascites, dyspnea, edema (choice D) are not commonly seen with lithium use. In summary, monitoring for diaphoresis, weakness, and nausea is crucial in patients taking lithium to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is hospitalized for severe depression. Of the medications listed below, the nurse can expect to provide the patient with teaching about:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: sertraline (Zoloft) – an SSRI. Sertraline is commonly prescribed for depression due to its effectiveness in managing symptoms by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. Teaching for this medication would include instructions on how to take it, potential side effects, and the importance of compliance. A: chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is an antianxiety medication and not typically used as a first-line treatment for depression. B: clozapine (Clozaril) is an atypical antipsychotic mainly used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, not for depression. D: tacrine (Cognex) is used for Alzheimer's disease and is not indicated for depression. In summary, the other choices are incorrect because they are not commonly used to treat depression and do not have the same mechanism of action as sertraline in managing depressive symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, “My doctor thinks my problem may lie with the neurotransmitters in my brain. What are neurotransmitters?” The reply that will give the patient the best understanding of neurotransmitters is, “Neurotransmitters are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "the chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off." This is the best answer because neurotransmitters are indeed chemical substances that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, either exciting or inhibiting the receiving neuron. This explanation accurately describes the essential function of neurotransmitters in regulating brain cell activity. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: "small clumps of cells that alert the other brain cells to receive messages." This is incorrect as neurotransmitters are not clumps of cells but rather individual molecules that facilitate communication between neurons. C: "tiny areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling our emotions." This is incorrect as neurotransmitters are not specific areas of the brain but rather chemicals that play a role in various brain functions, including emotions. D: "weblike structures that provide connections among various parts of the brain." This is incorrect as neurotransmitters are not physical structures but chemical substances that facilitate communication between neurons.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is to receive acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) as part of the treatment for an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Which action by the nurse is appropriate when giving this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer because acetylcysteine has a strong, unpleasant taste. Disguising it with soda or flavored water helps improve palatability, increasing the likelihood of the patient taking it. This action enhances adherence to the treatment plan, ensuring the patient receives the full therapeutic benefit. A: Giving the medication undiluted is incorrect as it can lead to nausea and vomiting due to the strong taste. B: Avoiding the use of a straw is incorrect as it doesn't address the issue of the unpleasant taste. D: Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose is typically given orally, not via a nebulizer.
Question 5 of 5
When admitting a patient with a suspected diagnosis of chronic alcohol use, the nurse will keep in mind that chronic use of alcohol might result in which condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Korsakoff’s psychosis. Chronic alcohol use can lead to a thiamine deficiency, resulting in Korsakoff’s psychosis characterized by severe memory loss and confabulation. Renal failure (A) is not directly linked to chronic alcohol use. Cerebrovascular accident (B) is more commonly associated with high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. Alzheimer’s disease (D) is a neurodegenerative disorder not directly caused by chronic alcohol use. In summary, Korsakoff’s psychosis is the most likely condition to result from chronic alcohol use due to thiamine deficiency.