ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
An 18-year-old male is being evaluated for hypogonadism. The nurse would evaluate which physical findings as supporting that tentative diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypogonadism in males, marked by low testosterone, delays secondary sexual characteristics, like facial hair, which remains minimal, soft, and light due to insufficient androgen stimulation of follicles. Absent pubic hair aligns with this, reflecting poor pubertal development from gonadal dysfunction. Decreased subcutaneous fat is less typical-hypogonadism often increases fat due to estrogen dominance from low testosterone. Small testicles directly indicate testicular failure, a hallmark of primary hypogonadism, reducing hormone and sperm output. Minimal facial hair is a visible, assessable sign tied to androgen deficiency, distinguishing it from normal variation, and supports the diagnosis alongside other findings like testicular size, reflecting the condition's impact on masculinization and reproductive maturity.
Question 2 of 5
It is rational and advised therapeutic practice to commence treatment with the following drug using a loading dose if a rapid onset of action is required:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A loading dose achieves therapeutic levels quickly for drugs with long half-lives or urgent needs. Clozapine's slow titration avoids agranulocytosis, not rapid loading. Zolmitriptan, for acute migraine, acts fast without loading due to short half-life. Amiodarone, with a half-life of weeks, uses loading doses (e.g., 800-1600 mg/day) to rapidly control arrhythmias, rational for urgent onset. Levodopa's short half-life and titration in Parkinson's don't require loading. Doxazosin, for hypertension, starts low to avoid first-dose hypotension. Amiodarone's pharmacokinetics and arrhythmia urgency make loading advised, balancing efficacy and toxicity risks.
Question 3 of 5
The client receives diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to control allergic symptoms. Which common symptom does the nurse teach the client to report to the physician?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diphenhydramine's anticholinergic effects include urinary hesitancy , a serious symptom risking retention, needing physician reporting. Sedation is expected. Diarrhea and vomiting aren't typical. D prioritizes significant complications, making it the key symptom.
Question 4 of 5
Which location is the area where the highest percentage of sodium and water are resorbed back into the bloodstream?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The highest percentage of sodium and water resorption back into the bloodstream occurs in the proximal tubule of the nephron. The proximal tubule is responsible for reabsorbing about 65-75% of the filtered sodium and water, along with various other solutes. It has a high density of microvilli, which increases its surface area for efficient reabsorption. Additionally, the proximal tubule plays a vital role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance by reclaiming essential substances from the filtrate before it moves further along the nephron.
Question 5 of 5
A mother asks the nurse when she should give her child cough medicine. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cough medicines, like dextromethorphan, suppress nonproductive (dry) coughs to aid rest, especially when sleep is disrupted . This targets symptomatic relief appropriately, avoiding overuse. Green secretions suggest infection, where suppressing cough could hinder clearance, requiring medical evaluation instead. Fever over 102°F indicates illness severity, not a cue for cough medicine alone. Bronchitis often involves productive cough, where suppressants are less suitable. The nurse's best response (D) aligns with cough suppressants' purpose—relieving dry, disruptive coughs—ensuring safe, targeted use for the child's comfort.