ATI RN
ATI Pharmacology Made Easy 4.0 Infection Questions
Question 1 of 9
At 4 to 5 half lives the concentration of drug in blood is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The concentration of a drug in the blood decreases by half with each half-life. Thus, after 4 to 5 half-lives, the amount of drug remaining in the blood would be approximately 6.25% to 3.125% of the original concentration. This translates to the concentration being around 50% or less, making the correct answer A. 50%.
Question 2 of 9
Which antipsychotic agent has been most associated with significant QT interval prolongation and should be used with caution in patients with preexisting arrhythmias or patients taking other drugs associated with QT prolongation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Thioridazine, a first-generation antipsychotic, potently blocks potassium channels, prolonging QT intervals and risking torsades de pointes, especially in patients with arrhythmias or on QT-prolonging drugs. This led to restricted use. Risperidone, asenapine, and lurasidone, second-generation agents, have milder QT effects. Aripiprazole is minimal. Thioridazine's strong association, evidenced by black box warnings, demands caution, making it the standout risk here.
Question 3 of 9
Nurse Bryan knows that the age group that uses the most units of blood and blood products is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Premature infants, especially those born very premature or with health complications, often require blood transfusions due to their underdeveloped organs and medical conditions. Their small size and medical fragility make them the age group that typically uses the most units of blood and blood products. This high demand for blood products is necessary to support their growth, development, and overall health. Conversely, while individuals in other age groups may also require blood transfusions, premature infants have specific and ongoing needs that often result in a greater overall use of blood and blood products in this age group.
Question 4 of 9
A 43-year-old man undergoes a kidney transplantation. His physician prescribes azathioprine for graft rejection prophylaxis. His past medical history is significant for gouty arthritis. Which of the following antigout drugs should he avoid while taking azathioprine?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Azathioprine, metabolized by xanthine oxidase, interacts with allopurinol , which inhibits this enzyme. This raises azathioprine levels, risking toxicity. Colchicine , Indomethacin , and Prednisolone don't affect this pathway. Probenecid (E) is safe. Avoiding allopurinol prevents immunosuppression complications.
Question 5 of 9
A patient with elevated lipid levels has a new prescription for nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse informs the patient that which adverse effects may occur with this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is commonly associated with adverse effects of pruritus (itching) and cutaneous flushing (redness and warmth of the skin). These side effects are usually dose-related and can be alleviated by taking aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 30 minutes before taking niacin. It's important for the nurse to inform the patient about these common side effects so that they are aware of what to expect and how to manage them if they occur.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client receiving amphotericin B for a fungal infection. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Amphotericin B, an antifungal, is nephrotoxic , damaging renal tubules and reducing GFR, a severe effect needing close monitoring (e.g., creatinine, urine output) to adjust dosing or hydration. Ototoxicity , hepatotoxicity , and cardiotoxicity are less common. Nephrotoxicity's frequency and severity align with amphotericin's membrane-binding mechanism, critical in fungal infections where prolonged use is typical, making A the priority to monitor for renal protection.
Question 7 of 9
Which patient would benefit from administration of simvastatin (Zocor) 80 mg?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In general, the maximum recommended dose of simvastatin is 40 mg daily due to an increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, at higher doses. However, in certain cases, especially for patients who have been tolerating and responding well to simvastatin 40 mg for an extended period without experiencing myopathy, increasing the dose to 80 mg may be considered. Patients who have been taking simvastatin for 12 months with no evidence of myopathy are likely to benefit from the higher dose in terms of better lipid control. It is important to monitor closely for any signs or symptoms of myopathy even with the 80 mg dose.
Question 8 of 9
Which statement is accurate regarding pharmacotherapy in the older adult?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aging reduces liver/renal clearance, raising plasma levels (e.g., digoxin), heightening response and toxicity risk, per pharmacokinetics. Body water drops, concentrating drugs, not diluting. Doses decrease, not increase-metabolism slows. Absorption may slow, but pH rises, not falls. Plasma increase drives effects, key in elders.
Question 9 of 9
At what point does atropine hit its peak for IM injections?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atropine given via intramuscular (IM) injection typically reaches its peak effects within 15 to 50 minutes after administration. The onset of action is relatively rapid, with faster absorption and distribution compared to oral administration. The effects of atropine can be seen within minutes, reaching peak concentration within the specified time frame. This rapid onset is important clinically when atropine is used to treat conditions such as bradycardia or nerve agent poisoning where a quick response is needed.