ATI RN
ATI Proctored Exam Pharmacology 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 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.
Question 2 of 5
A patient comes to the office with a chief complaint of hair loss and peeling skin. The nurse notes many vitamins and minerals are on the medication list. The patient reports using vitamins to treat liver disease. The patient's complaint may be caused by an excess of which vitamin or mineral?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
When caring for an elderly Chinese patient, the nurse recognizes that which of these cultural issues may influence the care of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Chinese culture, the use of heat, such as through warm foods or heating pads, is often believed to restore balance and promote healing. This cultural practice may influence the patient's preferences and expectations during hospitalization. Radiographs, hospital diets, and the perception of hospitalization are less likely to be significant cultural factors in this context. Therefore, the nurse should consider the patient's cultural beliefs about heat and incorporate them into the care plan as appropriate.
Question 4 of 5
Central venous access devices (CVADs) are frequently utilized to administer chemotherapy. What is a distinct advantage of using the CVAD for chemotherapeutic agent administration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Central venous access devices (CVADs) are advantageous for chemotherapy administration because they allow caustic or vesicant drugs to be delivered directly into larger veins, reducing the risk of vein irritation, thrombosis, or extravasation. While CVADs may have other benefits, such as long-term use and reduced need for repeated IV insertions, their primary advantage in chemotherapy is the safe administration of potentially damaging agents. Home administration and cost are secondary considerations.
Question 5 of 5
A 65-year-old man undergoes an orthopaedic procedure. He spends an hour in the recovery room before being returned to the ward. You are called to see him and on examination note that he is drowsy, has shallow breathing, a slow pulse and pinpoint pupils. The notes show an uneventful anaesthetic using an inhalational agent, muscle relaxant and fentanyl. In the recovery room he was breathing normally and was awake, but because of pain was initially given intravenous morphine and then intramuscular morphine before being returned to the ward. Your course of action is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient shows opioid overdose signs (drowsiness, respiratory depression, bradycardia, miosis) from fentanyl and morphine. Calling the resuscitation team delays specific treatment unless unresponsive. Atropine treats bradycardia but not respiratory depression. Neostigmine reverses neuromuscular blockers, not opioids. Flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines. IV naloxone, an opioid antagonist, rapidly reverses these effects, restoring breathing and consciousness, the best immediate action. Its specificity and speed are vital in postoperative opioid toxicity, ensuring patient safety.