ATI RN
Pharmacology ATI Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who takes high-dose aspirin to treat arthritis will need to take prednisone to treat an acute flare of symptoms. What action will the nurse perform?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can cause side effects such as fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance, and increased blood pressure. On the other hand, high-dose aspirin, especially when taken for arthritis, can have blood-thinning effects that may also contribute to lowering blood pressure. Given these potential effects of both medications, the nurse should be vigilant for the development of hypotension in the patient. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness, is crucial in this situation to ensure the patient's safety.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is receiving 10 mEq of potassium chloride in 100 mL of normal saline intravenously (IV) to infuse over 1 hour via infusion pump. The patient has a 22-gauge peripheral IV in his right forearm and reports pain at the insertion site; the nurse notes that the site is reddened, warm, and tender to the touch. Which action would the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's symptoms of pain, redness, warmth, and tenderness at the IV site indicate possible infiltration or phlebitis, which can lead to tissue damage or infection. The nurse should stop the infusion and discontinue the IV immediately to prevent further complications. Aspirating and slowing the rate (A) is inappropriate in this situation. Inserting a central line (B) is not the immediate priority. Applying warm compresses (D) may be done after discontinuing the IV, but it is not the first action.
Question 3 of 5
When the nurse is reviewing a list of medications taken by an 88-year-old patient, the patient says, 'I get dizzy when I stand up.' She also states that she has nearly fainted 'a time or two' in the afternoons. Her systolic blood pressure drops 15 points when she stands up. Which type of medication may be responsible for these effects?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by dizziness and a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications. These medications lower blood pressure, which can lead to reduced cerebral perfusion and dizziness when the patient changes positions. NSAIDs, cardiac glycosides, and anticoagulants are less likely to cause orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, the nurse should consider antihypertensive medications as the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms and assess the need for dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.
Question 4 of 5
Dr. Rodriguez orders 250 milliliters of packed red blood cells (RBC) for a patient. This therapy is administered for the treatment of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Packed red blood cells (RBCs) are used to treat anemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level. Anemia can result from blood loss, chronic disease, or nutritional deficiencies. Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia involve low platelet and white blood cell counts, respectively, and are not treated with RBC transfusions. Hypoalbuminemia involves low albumin levels and requires albumin infusions, not RBCs. Therefore, anemia is the correct indication for this therapy.
Question 5 of 5
Carbidopa when combined with levodopa:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbidopa enhances levodopa in Parkinson's. It inhibits peripheral (not cerebral) dopa decarboxylase, reducing levodopa breakdown outside the brain, allowing more to cross the blood-brain barrier. This reduces peripheral dopamine, minimizing nausea and hypotension, permitting lower levodopa doses, a true statement. It's compatible with warfarin, doesn't delay bradykinesia improvement (enhances onset), and doesn't abolish on-off effects (related to disease progression). Reduced side effects improve tolerability, a key therapeutic strategy.