ATI RN
2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Barbiturates are contraindicated in a dental patient with: II. emphysema III. Undiagnosed severe pain III. hypertension IV. Acute intermittent porphyria
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that can exacerbate conditions such as emphysema, hypertension, and acute intermittent porphyria.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a young patient with a closed head injury who has an intracranial pressure of 35 (normal <20) and serum osmolality of 330 mOsm/kg. The nurse would anticipate which action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) by drawing fluid out of the brain tissue. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with elevated serum osmolality, as it can exacerbate hyperosmolality and lead to renal failure or other complications. In this case, the patient's serum osmolality is already high (330 mOsm/kg), so mannitol should be withheld, and other measures to reduce ICP, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining proper oxygenation, and avoiding hypercapnia, should be prioritized. Sodium nitroprusside (C) is used for hypertension, not ICP, and taking no action (D) is inappropriate given the elevated ICP.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is scheduled to receive chemotherapy drugs that will cause myelosuppression. Which action by the nurse will be most important?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Myelosuppression, a common side effect of chemotherapy, leads to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A drop in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, increases the risk of infection. Monitoring for a change in temperature is critical because fever is often the first sign of infection in neutropenic patients. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, such as administering antibiotics, to prevent life-threatening complications. While gastrointestinal function, cardiac compromise, and changes in taste are important to assess, they are not as immediately life-threatening as an undetected infection in a myelosuppressed patient.
Question 4 of 5
When a patient is experiencing digoxin toxicity, which clinical situation would necessitate the use
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing digoxin toxicity, severe sinus bradycardia that does not respond to cardiac pacing is a clinical situation that would necessitate the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind). This intervention is required to counteract the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart, especially in cases of severe bradycardia that can compromise cardiac output and lead to serious consequences. In this scenario, Digibind works by binding to digoxin molecules, thereby neutralizing their effects and helping to restore normal cardiac function.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient about taking aspirin. Which are important points to include? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with alcohol or during invasive procedures like dental work or surgery. Patients should avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, informing healthcare providers about aspirin use is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding during procedures. Taking aspirin on an empty stomach is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of gastric irritation. Therefore, the correct teaching points are to avoid alcohol, inform the dentist, and inform the surgeon about aspirin use.