ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Practice B Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is taking amitriptyline (Elavil) reports constipation and dry mouth. The patient notes that these
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The common side effects of amitriptyline (Elavil) include constipation and dry mouth. Increasing fluid intake can help alleviate these symptoms. Adequate hydration can aid in promoting bowel regularity and relieving dry mouth. It is important for the nurse to give the patient instructions to increase their fluid intake to manage these side effects rather than immediately discontinuing the medication or requesting a change in antidepressants. If the constipation and dry mouth persist or worsen despite increasing fluid intake, then the provider may need to be notified for further evaluation and management.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse reviews the patient’s medication history. Based on the patient’s prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, which assessment will the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin (B) and purpura (D) due to decreased collagen production and increased fragility of blood vessels. Weight gain (A) is associated with systemic, not topical, corticosteroid use. Erythematous lesions (C) are not typically caused by topical corticosteroids.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is giving medications to a patient in heart failure. The intravenous route is chosen instead of the intramuscular route. The nurse knows that the factor that most influences the decision about which route to use is the patient's
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In patients with heart failure, diminished circulation is a significant concern. The intravenous (IV) route is preferred over the intramuscular (IM) route because it ensures rapid and reliable drug delivery, especially in patients with compromised cardiac output. IM injections rely on adequate blood flow for absorption, which may be impaired in heart failure due to poor circulation. Altered biliary function, increased glomerular filtration, and reduced liver metabolism are less relevant to the choice of administration route in this context. Therefore, diminished circulation is the primary factor influencing the decision to use the IV route.
Question 4 of 5
A child is admitted with a serious infection. After two days of antibiotics, he is severely neutropenic. The physician orders granulocyte transfusions for the next four days. The mother asks the nurse why? The nurse responds:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Granulocyte transfusions are used to temporarily increase the white blood cell count in severely neutropenic patients, particularly those with life-threatening infections. These transfusions provide functional granulocytes to help fight the infection while the patient's bone marrow recovers and begins producing its own white blood cells. This explanation is accurate and reassures the mother that the treatment is aimed at supporting the child's immune system during a critical period.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following drugs is likely to increase the plasma lithium concentration if co-prescribed to a patient on chronic lithium therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium levels rise with drugs reducing renal clearance or altering metabolism. St John's wort induces CYP enzymes, potentially lowering lithium (not renally metabolized). Ibuprofen, an NSAID, reduces renal lithium excretion by inhibiting prostaglandins, increasing plasma levels, a well-known interaction. Phenytoin induces metabolism but doesn't affect lithium's renal clearance. Haloperidol and sertraline have minimal pharmacokinetic impact on lithium. Ibuprofen's effect necessitates monitoring, as elevated lithium risks toxicity (e.g., tremor, confusion), critical in bipolar management.