ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has recently started therapy on a statin drug asks the nurse how long it will take until he sees an effect on his serum cholesterol. Which statement would be the nurse™s best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's best response would be, It takes 6 to 8 weeks to see a change in cholesterol levels. Statin drugs typically start to show an effect on lowering cholesterol levels within 6 to 8 weeks of starting therapy. It may take some time for the medication to reach its maximum effectiveness, but a noticeable change can usually be seen within this time frame. Monitoring cholesterol levels through blood tests is important to assess the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Question 2 of 5
The patient is receiving zolpidem (Ambien) for treatment of short-term insomnia. What is the primary safety concern of the nurse when the patient takes this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic, causes dizziness and daytime sedation-fall risks, especially if not sleeping fully, per safety data. Nausea and diarrhea occur but aren't primary. Sleepwalking is rare, notable but less common. Sedation drives monitoring, a key concern.
Question 3 of 5
Which finding would most accurately indicate that a therapeutic range for a medication had been reached?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic range balances efficacy-treating the condition (indication)-with safety, avoiding serious side effects, a clinical goal. No adverse effects alone doesn't confirm efficacy. Dose amount doesn't ensure range. Effectiveness with lethal effects exceeds range. Achieving indication safely defines therapeutic success, per pharmacology.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has recently started therapy on a statin drug asks the nurse how long it will take until he sees an effect on his serum cholesterol. Which statement would be the nurse™s best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's best response would be, It takes 6 to 8 weeks to see a change in cholesterol levels. Statin drugs typically start to show an effect on lowering cholesterol levels within 6 to 8 weeks of starting therapy. It may take some time for the medication to reach its maximum effectiveness, but a noticeable change can usually be seen within this time frame. Monitoring cholesterol levels through blood tests is important to assess the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who is taking aspirin for arthritis pain asks the nurse why it also causes gastrointestinal upset. The nurse understands that this is because aspirin:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aspirin causes gastrointestinal upset because it inhibits both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are important in protecting the stomach lining. Inhibition of COX-1 reduces the production of protective prostaglandins that help maintain the integrity of the stomach lining, leading to irritation and potential damage, which can manifest as gastrointestinal upset. This is why patients taking aspirin may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach pain, ulcers, or bleeding.