ATI RN
Cardiovascular Pharmacology Drug Class Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has received lithium for 3 weeks to control acute mania has the following symptoms: coarse hand tremor, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and mild confusion. The priority nursing action should be to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: 1. The patient is showing signs of lithium toxicity, indicated by symptoms like tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. 2. Obtaining a stat lithium level is crucial to confirm toxicity levels. 3. Holding lithium pending results prevents further toxicity and guides appropriate treatment adjustments. 4. Administering Cogentin (A) may mask symptoms but does not address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity. 5. Providing reassurance (B) is important but not the priority when the patient is experiencing potential toxicity. 6. Assisting the patient to decrease sodium intake (D) is not the priority as it does not address the immediate need to manage lithium toxicity.
Question 2 of 5
Anjalee Cohen’s research (as discussed by Paul Cohen) on methamphetamine use in Thailand shows that while methamphetamine used to be regarded as a performance-enhancing drug used by workers (a ‘drug of diligence’), it has recently come to be portrayed as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because Anjalee Cohen's research highlights the shift in perception of methamphetamine from being a 'drug of diligence' to one that causes users to become crazed and violent. This shift is supported by evidence showing the negative effects of methamphetamine on behavior, leading to erratic and violent tendencies. Choice A is incorrect as it does not align with the research findings discussed. Choice B is incorrect as it does not reflect the current portrayal of methamphetamine in Thailand as discussed in the research. Choice C is incorrect as sexual risk-taking is not the primary focus of the research findings.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse observes a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tapping both feet, smacking both lips, and making contorted faces while speaking to another patient. These behaviors prompt the nurse to suspect the patient is experiencing:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as lip smacking, facial grimacing, and tapping feet. These symptoms are often seen in patients on long-term antipsychotic medications, like those used to treat schizophrenia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (choice A) presents with fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. Parkinson syndrome (choice B) is characterized by tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Torticollis (choice D) is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn to one side.
Question 4 of 5
The physician tells the nurse, 'The medication I’m prescribing for the client enhances the GABA system.' Evaluation will be facilitated if the nurse correctly interprets this statement to mean the medication is expected to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decrease anxiety. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and stress. Enhancing the GABA system means increasing its activity, which would result in a calming effect, reducing anxiety. A: Increasing alertness is unlikely because GABA is associated with relaxation, not alertness. C: GABA's role is not primarily in reducing hallucinations. D: While GABA may indirectly influence mood, its primary role is in anxiety regulation.
Question 5 of 5
Before a patient receives triptans for the treatment of migraines, the nurse will assess for the presence of which condition, which is a contraindication if present?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cardiovascular disease. Triptans can cause vasoconstriction, potentially worsening cardiovascular conditions. Assessing for cardiovascular disease is crucial to prevent adverse effects. A: Hypotension is not a contraindication for triptans. B: Renal disease does not directly interact with triptans. C: Liver damage is not a direct contraindication for triptans.