ATI RN
Virtual ATI Pharmacology Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder will begin taking venlafaxine(Effexor). The nurse who performs a medication and dietary history will be concerned about ingestion of which substance or drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: St. John's wort is an herbal supplement that can interact with many medications, including venlafaxine (Effexor). When taken together, it can decrease the effectiveness of venlafaxine by increasing its metabolism, potentially leading to reduced therapeutic effects. This interaction can also increase the risk of side effects or adverse reactions. Therefore, the nurse should be concerned about the ingestion of St. John's wort when a patient is taking venlafaxine to ensure proper medication management and effectiveness. It is important for patients to inform healthcare providers about all supplements they are taking to prevent harmful interactions.
Question 2 of 5
A male patient is to begin therapy with isotretinoin and asks, 'What do I have to remember to do while taking this medicine?' How would the nurse respond? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotretinoin is a potent medication with significant side effects and precautions. Patients should avoid sunlight (A) due to increased photosensitivity. Regular laboratory tests (C) are necessary to monitor liver function and lipid levels. Two forms of contraceptives (D) are required for females due to the high risk of teratogenicity. Monitoring weight (B) is not typically associated with isotretinoin use.
Question 3 of 5
An elderly woman took a prescription medicine to help her to sleep; however, she felt restless all night and did not sleep at all. The nurse recognizes that this woman has experienced which type of reaction or effect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected response to a medication that is not related to the drug's known pharmacological effects. In this case, the elderly woman experienced restlessness instead of sedation, which is contrary to the expected effect of a sleep aid. Idiosyncratic reactions are unpredictable and can vary widely among individuals. Allergic reactions involve the immune system, mutagenic effects involve genetic changes, and synergistic effects involve interactions between multiple drugs. Since the woman's response was unexpected and not consistent with the drug's intended effect, it is classified as an idiosyncratic reaction.
Question 4 of 5
A month after receiving a blood transfusion an immunocompromised male patient develops a fever, liver abnormalities, a rash, and diarrhea. The nurse would suspect this patient has:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a potential complication in immunocompromised patients after receiving blood transfusions. It occurs when donor lymphocytes attack the recipient's tissues, leading to symptoms such as fever, rash, liver dysfunction, and diarrhea. This condition typically arises weeks to months after transfusion. An allergic response to medication would not explain the systemic symptoms. Myelosuppression is unrelated to transfusion. Therefore, GVHD is the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following drugs is contraindicated if there is a history of acute porphyria?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute porphyria involves heme synthesis defects, triggered by drugs inducing hepatic enzymes (e.g., CYP450). Quinine, used in malaria, isn't a major porphyria trigger. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, is porphyrin-safe, with minimal enzyme induction. Oral contraceptives, containing estrogens/progestins, induce ALA synthase, exacerbating acute porphyria, making them contraindicated. Heparin and amoxicillin don't significantly affect porphyrin metabolism. The contraceptive link reflects hormonal exacerbation of porphyric attacks, critical for safe prescribing in this rare condition.