ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Book Questions
Question 1 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 works by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. COX-1 is responsible for producing prostaglandins that help maintain the stomach lining, promote blood clotting, and support kidney function. When COX-1 is inhibited by aspirin, it interferes with the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining, leading to increased risk of gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. This is why aspirin is known to cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and even ulcers in some cases.
Question 2 of 5
The patient is complaining of a severe headache. The physician orders aspirin. Which action by the nurse will result in the fastest relief of the patient's headache?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aspirin on an empty stomach absorbs fastest, speeding headache relief by avoiding food delays-fatty meals like peanut butter slow gastric emptying, reducing onset. Alkaline foods may alter pH but don't hasten absorption significantly. Enteric-coated forms delay release for GI protection, not speed. Empty stomach delivery maximizes bioavailability quickly, aligning with pain relief urgency.
Question 3 of 5
Tricyclic antidepressants:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline have a high volume of distribution due to lipophilicity, not low, making that false. They're not useful in urinary retention (they cause it as a side effect) but are effective for chronic pain via monoamine modulation, so that's partially false. They can prolong the QT interval by blocking cardiac sodium channels, a true statement and significant risk factor for arrhythmias. They don't block monoamine oxidase (MAO) but inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing synaptic levels, so that's false. They treat severe depression, even with suicidal ideation, though caution is needed. The QT prolongation is a critical electrophysiological effect, requiring ECG monitoring in clinical use to prevent torsades de pointes.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has been ordered the powdered form of the bile acid sequestrant colestipol. Which of the following does the nurse identify as true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that the colestipol should be administered 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after any other oral medication. Bile acid sequestrants like colestipol can bind to other medications, reducing their absorption and effectiveness. Therefore, they should be taken separately from other medications to prevent any interactions. Additionally, colestipol should ideally be administered with meals to improve tolerability and adherence, although this was not one of the options given in the question.
Question 5 of 5
Propofol in comparison to thiopental sodium:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Propofol produces a faster and clearer recovery than thiopental sodium and is less irritant.