ATI RN
Medical Administrative Assistant Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient taking SMZ/TMP asks the nurse what the name means. The nurse replies sulfamethoxazole is combined with trimethoprim in SMZ/TMP to help the drug effectiveness. How does this work?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SMZ/TMP (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) is a combination antibiotic where the two drugs work synergistically to inhibit sequential steps in bacterial folate synthesis, enhancing antibacterial efficacy against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Choice D correctly identifies this synergistic effect. Choice A is incorrect as neither drug is an anesthetic. Choice B is pharmacologically inaccurate, and Choice C misrepresents their mechanism, as they target bacterial metabolism, not excretion.
Question 2 of 5
A physician has ordered peak and trough levels of a medication. When would the nurse schedule the trough level specimen?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The trough level, which measures the lowest drug concentration, is typically drawn 30 minutes before the next dose to assess the drug's baseline before administration.
Question 3 of 5
A hospitalized patient asks the nurse for some aspirin for my headache. There is no order for aspirin for this patient. What will the nurse do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nurses cannot administer medications without a physician's order due to legal and safety standards; they must consult the doctor.
Question 4 of 5
What would a nurse instruct a patient to do after administration of a sublingual medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sublingual medications must dissolve under the tongue without swallowing to ensure absorption through the oral mucosa.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse flushes an intravenous lock before and after administering a medication. What is the rationale for this step?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flushing an IV lock clears residual medication and prevents clotting, maintaining patency of the line.