ATI RN
2019 ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Basis for pharmacotherapeutics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The basis for pharmacotherapeutics lies in the selective action of drugs with regard to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Pharmacotherapeutics involves the use of drugs to manage diseases and improve health outcomes. Drugs are carefully selected based on their mechanism of action, efficacy, safety profile, and suitability for a specific condition. The goal is to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential adverse effects. By understanding the selective action of drugs in targeting specific pathways or processes in the body, healthcare providers can customize treatment regimens to individual patients and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has been started on therapy of a continuous infusion of lidocaine after receiving a loading dose of the drug. The nurse will monitor the patient for which adverse effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can have systemic effects if levels become toxic. Continuous infusion of lidocaine can lead to lidocaine toxicity, which can manifest as adverse effects including convulsions, altered mental status, confusion, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring for signs of lidocaine toxicity, such as convulsions, is crucial when a patient is receiving continuous lidocaine infusion. It is important for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's neurological status and vital signs to promptly recognize and manage any adverse effects.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering Penicillin to a patient who has tested positive for strep throat. The nurse knows to look for which of the following adverse e昀昀ects as a sign of an acute allergic reaction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An acute allergic reaction to Penicillin can present with symptoms such as skin rash or hives. This is a common sign of an allergic reaction and can indicate the patient is having an adverse response to the medication. It is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient closely for any signs of allergic reactions, including hives, as they can quickly progress to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. Other adverse effects listed in the choices, such as blurred vision, tinnitus, and vomiting, are not typically associated with an acute allergic reaction to Penicillin.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following diuretics inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys while saving K+ and Hydrogen ions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, while saving potassium and hydrogen ions. It accomplishes this by acting as an aldosterone antagonist, blocking the action of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that normally promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys and leads to potassium and hydrogen ion excretion. By inhibiting aldosterone, spironolactone promotes sodium excretion while conserving potassium and hydrogen ions.
Question 5 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.