ATI RN
ATI RN Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 5
An 18-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician after experiencing a one-sided headache for the fourth time in the last 2 years. Her headaches have all been similar in nature. She says the pain is worst right behind her eye and that she feels nauseous and cannot stand bright lights or loud noises while she is having a headache. The physician prescribes sumatriptan. What is the mechanism of action of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Migraine symptoms (unilateral pain, photophobia, nausea) respond to sumatriptan, a 5-HT1B/1D agonist. Option , blocking serotonin-mediated nociceptive signaling, is correct-sumatriptan constricts cranial vessels and inhibits trigeminal pain pathways. Option , COX blockade, is NSAIDs' mechanism. Option , prostaglandin synthesis, is similar. Options and (E), opioid receptor stimulation, are unrelated. Sumatriptan's serotonin action targets migraine-specific pathophysiology, relieving this patient's symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A 13-year-old boy with moderate asthma presents to the clinic for follow-up. His symptoms appear to be better controlled since adding salmeterol to his regimen. He has had to use his rescue inhaler once over the past 2 weeks during exertion. His breathing at night has improved as well. How does salmeterol exhibit its beneficial effects for asthma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Salmeterol improves asthma as a long-acting β2-agonist , relaxing bronchial smooth muscle for 12 hours. β1 agonism (A, C) affects the heart. β1 antagonism or β2 antagonism (E) worsen asthma. Salmeterol's specificity enhances control.
Question 3 of 5
A patient will be taking niacin as part of antilipemic therapy. What is the best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Taking niacin with a full glass of water on an empty stomach can help reduce the risk of flushing or pruritus, which are common side effects of niacin. Additionally, starting with a low initial dose and increasing gradually as tolerated can also help minimize these side effects. Niacin can cause vasodilation, leading to flushing and itching, so taking it with water and on an empty stomach can help alleviate these symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A patient being seen for skin concerns asks, 'What do keratolytic drugs remove?' What is the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keratolytic drugs, such as salicylic acid, work by softening and removing the horny layer of the epidermis, which consists of dead skin cells. This helps treat conditions like psoriasis, warts, and calluses. They do not target the dermis (A), erythematous lesions (C), or hair follicles (D).
Question 5 of 5
The patient is receiving lithium (Eskalith) and asks the nurse why he has to have blood drawn so often. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium's narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) requires frequent blood draws to ensure levels stay safe and effective, preventing toxicity (e.g., tremors) or subtherapeutic dosing. Side effects are monitored clinically, not just by blood. Effectiveness and response tie to levels, but ‘correct amount' is precise, addressing the patient's query directly about monitoring's purpose.