ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Infection Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has been taking a benzodiazepine as a sleep aid for several months wishes to stop taking the medication. The nurse will suggest that the patient taper the dose gradually to avoid which effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as medications used for sleep aid, are known for their potential to cause physical dependence. If a patient abruptly stops taking benzodiazepines after using them regularly for an extended period, they are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, agitation, tremors, sweating, and even seizures in some cases. To prevent or minimize the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms, it is important for patients to gradually taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This gradual tapering helps the body adjust slowly to decreasing doses of the medication, reducing the risk of withdrawal effects.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is doing health teaching with a patient with psoriasis. Which nursing implication is a priority for a patient on infliximab to treat psoriasis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infliximab, a biologic agent used to treat psoriasis, can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections and blood disorders. Monitoring the complete blood count (D) is a priority to detect neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia. Monitoring weight (A), electrolytes (B), or urine output (C) is not typically associated with infliximab therapy.
Question 3 of 5
While caring for a patient with cirrhosis or hepatitis, the nurse knows that abnormalities in which phase of pharmacokinetics may occur?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cirrhosis and hepatitis impair liver function, which directly affects the metabolism of drugs. The liver is responsible for metabolizing many medications through processes such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. When liver function is compromised, drug metabolism may be slowed, leading to increased drug levels and a higher risk of toxicity. While absorption, distribution, and excretion can also be affected by liver disease, metabolism is the most significantly impacted phase. Therefore, nurses must carefully monitor drug dosages and consider alternative medications for patients with liver dysfunction.
Question 4 of 5
Jonas comes into the local blood donation center. He says he is here to donate platelets only today. The nurse knows this process is called:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apheresis is the process of selectively collecting specific blood components, such as platelets, while returning the remaining components to the donor. This method allows for the efficient collection of platelets without depleting the donor's red blood cells or plasma. Directed donation refers to donating blood for a specific recipient, autologous donation involves donating one's own blood for future use, and allogeneic donation is the standard donation for the general blood supply. Therefore, apheresis is the correct term for platelet-only donation.
Question 5 of 5
A 20-year-old man is diagnosed to have acute schizophrenia. Which of the following is an appropriate first-line treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute schizophrenia requires antipsychotics for positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations). IV haloperidol is for acute agitation, not first-line outpatient treatment. IM flupentixol, a long-acting typical antipsychotic, suits maintenance, not initial therapy. Oral olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is first-line, balancing efficacy (D2/5-HT2 blockade) and lower extrapyramidal risk, suitable for a young patient. Procyclidine treats parkinsonism, not schizophrenia. Fluoxetine is for depression. Olanzapine's oral route and profile make it ideal for initial management, promoting adherence and tolerability.